Leaf spring removal help.

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May 31, 2008 | 01:35 PM

78ford351m

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Leaf spring removal help.

I got the passengers side out. My main problem is the huge bolt in the front. I got the nut off, but I can't get the bolt out on the drivers side. I've pounded, etc. Is there a trick to get it out?

Jason

May 31, 2008 | 02:35 PM

oaskills

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I ran into the same problem. I finally got it out by heating the area up with a torch for about 20 min. and then smacking it with another bolt and a sledgehammer. the heating really helped a lot.

May 31, 2008 | 03:30 PM

78ford351m

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Quote:

Originally Posted by oaskills

I ran into the same problem. I finally got it out by heating the area up with a torch for about 20 min. and then smacking it with another bolt and a sledgehammer. the heating really helped a lot.

I did try heating mine with no luck, but not that long. I'll keep trying. Thanks.

May 31, 2008 | 05:16 PM

FloridaStroker

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I used an old bolt that was slightly smaller then the hole and banged it out.

May 31, 2008 | 07:42 PM

78ford351m

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Quote:

Originally Posted by FloridaStroker

I used an old bolt that was slightly smaller then the hole and banged it out.

Next problem. This is just a frame, but can I still roll it around with these off? Will the rearend be intact?

Jun 1, 2008 | 09:24 AM

FloridaStroker

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If you take the leaf springs off the frame and axle, you will lose the rolling chassis. The shocks alone will not keep the axle center or stable. I'm doing a frame off restore my self on my '73, hoping to have my rolling chassis back by the fall. It's a pain in the butt moving the frame, cab, and bed by carrying them instead of rolling them.

Jun 1, 2008 | 11:12 PM

bigperm2

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From: denver

the problem with the bolt, is that it is rusted in the spring bushing. Your only shot at getting the bolt out intact, is with penetrating oil. If that fails, you can get the spring out by using a cutoff wheel and cutting the bolt between the hanger and the spring (both sides). You will unfortunatley have to replace the bushing, but you probably should anyway since you had a torch on it. Don't spend too much time with the torch on the spring!