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The patient: 1976 F-250 standard cab, 2WD, 460, C6
I'm in need of some good advice. I need to remove the two frame pins near the front of the vehicle in order to install a Hellwig sway bar.
Passenger side frame pin near front of vehicle
So far I've tried striking the bottom of the pin with a large hammer, pressing it out by lifting the truck with the jack under it (as in the photo), and by putting a large pry bar under the head of the pin. What you see in the photo is all that I've been able to get it to move. Unless someone has a good suggestion, I suppose the next step will be to cut off the bottom and drill out the remainder.
Good ideas are needed.
Thanks.
Mike, thanks for the insight. My problem is that I may be too old (72) to lie on my back under the truck, hold a punch and still get a good whack with a sledge. But I'll give it a try.
Now you have it pressed out that far cut the head off, should drive out from top pretty easy ,what happens is when installing them they swell on the bottom like a rivet and that's what they are rivets
Now you have it pressed out that far cut the head off, should drive out from top pretty easy ,what happens is when installing them they swell on the bottom like a rivet and that's what they are rivets
That would probably work if I could get the head cut off with something. Access is a bit restricted in there.
If you have a compressor, you can get a cheap air saw with small blades at Harbor Freight. Quality is not an issue as you're probably only going to use it once or twice. Or an angle die grinder with a cut-off wheel may work.
If you have a compressor, you can get a cheap air saw with small blades at Harbor Freight. Quality is not an issue as you're probably only going to use it once or twice. Or an angle die grinder with a cut-off wheel may work.
Those would likely work. The only problem is that the truck is at one house's garage while the compressor is at the other house's garage. I may be able to find an electric angle die grinder with a cut off wheel. Thanks for the ideas.
Those would likely work. The only problem is that the truck is at one house's garage while the compressor is at the other house's garage. I may be able to find an electric angle die grinder with a cut off wheel. Thanks for the ideas.
I used a 4 1/2" grinder and just ground the head flush, then long punch and hammer to knock it out.
I would get a local kid see if he would do it for a 1/2 a pizza. Either sawsall the top (under the head then tap the rest down and out. Or tap it back in and then cut off the rest below the bottom of the frame rail with sawzall or 4" grinder (elec or battery) and then tap rest up and put.
After a brief interruption I was able to complete removal of the frame pins.
The remains of the pins
Driver's side frame flange
Passenger side frame flange
Everyone's suggestions made it go better. Thanks so much for the help. This forum is great.
Now if I can get Hellwig to provide some longer U-bolts for the I-beams (the ones provided did not have enough length to get a "full nut") and after I relocate the power steering return tubing upward a bit I'll be able to complete installation of the front sway bar.
Glad to hear it worked out, and thanks for the follow up. By chance did you contact Hellwig and ask for longer u bolts? Never hurts to ask.
I will be calling them today. I had a similar situation on the rear sway bar. The bolts holding the three plates together that attaches to the frame's flanges were too short. Hellwig sent two longer bolts. The photos on their installation instructions for the front bar show U-bolts that extend about a 1/2 inch beyond the nuts. They are locking type nuts and need to have at least a "full nut" of thread to work properly. Thanks for your help.
Sounds like they have pretty good customer service but on the off chance they dont send new u bolts, I have been thoroughly pleased with my experience with ATS Springs. Ive now bought my rear axle and front axle u bolts from them. Shipping is quick and its hard to beat their prices. Plus if you ever have questions their Customer Service is top notch and not some random call center in India. You actually talk to the guys in PA and they are very knowledgeable.
Just thought I'd throw their name out there because I just bought the front u bolts yesterday so it was fresh on my mind lol.
