PLEASE HELP!!!...suspension experts

I decided on Sunday to replace my auxiliary over-load springs on my 2003 F250 SD SC SWB 4x4...since I purchased them from my local FORD dealer about a month ago. The originals were either broken or cut off (the rear...back section) from the original Owner. I did not notice until after taking delivery of the truck. Oops...on my part.

Anyway...did the passenger side with little issues. The center bolt that holds the spring pack together gave little effort...and the replacement was done in about 30mins.

Started the driver side and all went well until I had to remove the center bolt nut that holds the over-load spring. Well it was rusted tight...and the bottom of the bolt would just spin (no way of holding the bolt head)...and the nut was not going to come off. So...I pulled out the dremel and cut the nut off. Went pretty well.

Off to my local supply store to find a metric nut. NO LUCK!!! Darn metric junk!!!

So...my question(s):

What size diameter is the center bolt (6m, 8m, 10m, or 12m)?
What is the thread pitch (1.25, 1.50, 1.75)?

The nut takes a 15mm socket, but I am not able to find anything in the 15mm size.

ALL HELP is appreciated!!!

biz

 

I would think getting a replacement from dealer may be quickest?

 

arctic y block...Thanks for the suggestion, but I contacted one of my local dealer's and the part does not show on the "parts list".

Guess...I will have to try another means...

biz

 

Sneak over at around 0 dark thirty. wear black and grab one. HAAAAA How about a salvage yard?

 

Tried a salvage yard today. At least over here in ABQ...these guys are misers! They would only sell me the entire spring pack...claiming that the springs are useless without the center pin bolt and nut. I even offered to purchase a SAE (standard) center pin bolt with nut as a replacement for them. No go!

Heck...all I needed was the nut!

So...what I ended up doing was purchasing a SAE center pin bolt from a local Suspension shop and finished the install. The nut is an 11/16...so I had to enlarge the U-bolt bracket (plate) to fit the new nut. Did that by hand...with a round metal file. Had to paint the bare metal (fight the rust) black...and assembled it all back.

The old center pin bolt had to be cut out with a saw-zaw...and the new center pin bolt trimmed after install by the same saw.

Well...I at least now have the auxiliary springs I was after...and now my "Camper Certification" is valid again.

Thanks for the suggestions...this thread is closed.

biz

 

Biz,
Do you have a ACE hardware store near you? My store(s) here close have an outstanding selection of metric hardware. Located in the bolt & nut dept... Good Luck!

Brad

 

Yes...we do, but still no luck there. I actually even went to a bolt and nut specialty shop. That is all they do...and the guy really felt bad for me. We were able to determine the pitch of the thread (1.50 metric pitch), but they had NO 11mm nut. That is the diameter of the center pin bolt. The more unusual fact...was the bolt itself. Being 15mm in size, but with thin walls...so it would fit between the u-bolt plate/bracket. This is a VERY unique combo.

So...the final solution was remove the metric...and go SAE.

My SD has been back on the road now...and is happy hauling again.

biz