Fixing to replace the leaf spring brackets due to rust, anyone ever done this? whats to be expected (besides rust in the eyes) ?

Thanks
Jeff

 

Yeah, rust in the hair, rust in the ears, rust in your shoes and several other places as well.... If you are replacing the spring hangers that are riveted to the frame then its fairly easy with a torch/grinder and an air hammer or chisel, without both or at least one of these........... much less fun......

 

Don't forget the skinned knuckles too.

 

I just broke the front one on the passenger side yesterday.

I don't have a cutting torch. I have an air compressor and cutting wheel, but it doesn't do well in tight places.

My expectation: The wife and I are dropping it off at my mechanic's after church.

I do as much of the work on my truck as possible, but when I looked at the remainder of the bracket, the cutting torch looks like a must have.

 

I replaced both of my rear springs last summer (2009) with a set I found at a local junk yard off of a 1 ton. I had broken both rear spring hangers. I had to cut off all the rivets and replace them with grade 8 bolts, washers and nuts. I had the complete assembly for $75 for both! No rust as these came off of a Georgia vehicle. It took me and a friend a whole Saturday to do one side. We didn't have a cutting torch either. We ground and cut the rivet heads off and air chiseled them out.

 

The easiest way to deal with the chassis rivets is a BFH and a good cold chisel. Sounds like alot of work, but, they actually cut really easy, and cutting them with the chisel stretches and tapers what's still in the bracket so they pretty much fall off...

 

very good info, we have a torch at the shop and air chisels, cutting wheels and all, should go smooth i hope will let ya know

jeff

 

performed the operation monday night, took about 4 hours start to finish, all went well, no issues at all, BUT do need a torch, air chisel and hydraulic press and a bit a patience doesnt hurt either.

jeff