spring bracket bolt lenght
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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spring bracket bolt lenght
I am going to be replacing my rear spring brackets and shackles on my '94 f150 4X2 shortly. I was wondering what size of bolt y'all used when you bolted the bracket to the frame? Im guessing about a 1 inch long grade 8 fine thread?
thanks for the replies
thanks for the replies
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
I would use a grade 8 bolt with flat washers on either end and a lock washer or self locking nut. My guess would be that it needs to be about 2 inches or so, if it is to go through the frame, bracket, 2 or 3 washers, and the nut. Maybe someone who has done this will post a response.
As for the other bolts in the springs, its best to just use replacement bolts and self locking nuts from Ford. This way they are smooth where they are supposed to be and have threads where they are supposed to be. This is what I am going to do as did many others on this site. That is what most recommended when I asked a similar question. I am replacing the rear springs and bushings.
As for the other bolts in the springs, its best to just use replacement bolts and self locking nuts from Ford. This way they are smooth where they are supposed to be and have threads where they are supposed to be. This is what I am going to do as did many others on this site. That is what most recommended when I asked a similar question. I am replacing the rear springs and bushings.
Last edited by TexasGuy001; Apr 19, 2006 at 07:24 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
I would want a minimum half inch of threads beyond the nut after everything is tightened down. Definitely go Grade 8. I think it is 7/16 diameter (not sure, 1/2 was too big and 3/8 was too small). I am having a shop do mine tomorrow. Found the rear mounts nearly rusted through. They bow when I push the bumper up and down.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
My Ford dealer said they don't carry the shackle bolts anymore and to go get some Grade 8 bolts at the hardware.
Just buy the brackets, then you can measure the holes and thickness, along with the frame thickness. Some lengths of bolts have a small threadless part near the bolt head, so maybe get slightly longer than you need if it will include that, but make sure you won't be turning the nut into the threadless part instead of snugging it down.
Since I bought all four brackets I will note that the front bracket for the rear leaf springs on my '95 are significantly thicker. Probably because they are bigger brackets.
BTW, the rear brackets are cupped to hold water. No wonder they rotted through.
Just buy the brackets, then you can measure the holes and thickness, along with the frame thickness. Some lengths of bolts have a small threadless part near the bolt head, so maybe get slightly longer than you need if it will include that, but make sure you won't be turning the nut into the threadless part instead of snugging it down.
Since I bought all four brackets I will note that the front bracket for the rear leaf springs on my '95 are significantly thicker. Probably because they are bigger brackets.
BTW, the rear brackets are cupped to hold water. No wonder they rotted through.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
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From: Lakewood, Ohio
when i refer to the shackle bolt, i am talking about the long bolt/lock nuts that goes through bracket and spring and the bolt that goes through the bracket and top of shackle.
ford has the bolts and lock nuts. i just recently bought some.
if your dealer did not have them, go to another dealer.
ford has the bolts and lock nuts. i just recently bought some.
if your dealer did not have them, go to another dealer.
Last edited by quicklook2; May 22, 2006 at 11:46 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Well my leaf mounting brackets are all replaced now. But I realized I probably should have replaced the shackles. That is a pretty easy job isn't it, especially since they just had the bolts out? I figure put the truck on jack stands at the point the pressure is relieved from the springs, slip the new shackes in and bolt it back down. Half hour job per side in the driveway at most. What should I torque the shackle bolts to?
