Help I'm Stuck!

[Brian]

Help, I broke all but the main leaf in my rear springs. I bought new springs for a F150. My problem is I can't get the spring bolts out. They seem to be rusted to the rubber gizmo. I took a fire wood splitting wedge and pushed out the rear shackle bolt as far as I could, but thats as far as I got. The front bolt doesn't even turn let along give me any leaverage to press it out. I can't use the hot wrench on it cause the gas tank is leaking. No wonder I went from 17 MPG to 12. Going to Sears tomorrow to get a tuning fork for the rear shackle bolt, I hope. Any ideas? I figure you guys have done this before. I was thinking maybe an electric impact gun to loosen the bolts? I will appreciate any input. Thanks Brian

 

[BLADE262US]

A thin cutoff wheel is what I usually use . You will more than likely not get the bolt out of it that easy /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Bully Bob]

Yah, you have a problem, but doable.

I would pull the tank & get it out of the way. (needs work anyway)

Then use heat to the point of even burning the rubber 'til the bolts are loose.

OR- soak with PB-Blaster & drive them out. b-( I used a 3/8 air ratchet to spin mine then knocked them out with a 3/8 ratchet extension & a pry-bar. Bolts were re-usable. Yours may be damaged after removal & need replacing.

(NOTE) put them in the same direction they came out (rear shackle bolts) or the nut (& bolt tip) will catch & dissallow movement. (

 

[Brian]

Thanks for the replys. Man I didn't think this was going to be this big a job. I just got back with the electric impact gun and the tuning fork. I'll see how I make out and keep you guys posted.Like Marty Feldman said in Young Frankenstien, Could be worst, could be raining{ It's pouring here today} Thanks again. Brian

 

[ocalabronco]

just drop the tank cuz it needs to be fixed or replaced anyway, torch the bushings and use a long breaker to move the bolts

 

[Brian]

Dropping the tank ain't going to help the rear shackle bolt because the reese receiver is still there, in the way. I can't get a punch on the front bolt because the running boards are in the way. Plus I used my 15/16 socket on my 3/4 drive ratchet with a 10' lenght of pipe on the 2 front bolts, they ain't budging!. If the bolts won't spin in the rubber bushing, there is no way they are going to be hammered or pressed out. I got the rear schackle bolts out about an inch and that's it. I've got no choice but to torch them out. Stay tuned I might have a half burnt Bronco with new leaf springs for sale. Thanks for all the replys Brian >-

 

[BLADE262US]

What I meant by the cutoff wheel was to go right between the shackle and the spring and only cut the bolt just dont puch the wheel let it do the work and youll have the springs out without much effort at all , Just cut the bolts and the the spring will come right out and then you can get the other peices out without messing with the tank . I have put the springs in a 50 ton press before trying to push the bolt out and at about 25 ton it finally pushed the rubber bushing out . Here in Michigan spring bolts on an early vehicle will 90% of the time laugh at a 1/2 inch impact let alone a 3/8 . So my opinion is skip the torches use a cutoff wheel ( I Use a 6 inch one in a 4 inch grinder just wear apropriate safety gear ) cut only the bolts and then you will have no mess and your not useing the old springs anyway besides you ever see how hot those bushings burn once they light up ? /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[89Bronco58]

lol, i had the same problem, i just torched the whole rubber eyes outta the springs and shackels, then went to a truck show,( heavy duty diesel shop) and had them press all new rubber eyes into the spring ends and the shackel...made it ALOT easier, you gotta figure them bolts been in there for over 10 years if they are origional, i wouldnt even use them over again if i did get them out...good luck

 

[Justbust1n]

i can tell you likw this and pleased listen there is NO way you can get those bolts off with out cutting them you will destroy any impact gun i promise believe me take the gas tank off and get a cutting tourch and cut them off there is no impact gun out there that can get those bolts off cut them and be done with it i promis it will save you alot of money and you can go get some more bolts so just cut them i wanna save ya some trouble man those bolts will not come off no matter what there is probably alot of rust just like mine, just cut them with a tourch