Stubborn leaf spring nut/bolt

[dsopac]

For those without access to cool tools hope this helps...

Soaked the threads the day before, but the front leaf spring nut and bolt still wouldn't budge. After an hour of banging, lifting, swearing I wedged the breaker bar/cheater bar on top of the axle and lifted the axle with the stock bottle jack. Didn't lift it much as the cheater was wedged on pretty good, but eventually the nut gave and was able to get it off. The bolt didn't want to be hammered out, so after the nut was off, I soaked the bolt and just worked the bolt until it finally let go...

http://www.geocities.com/dsopac/LeafSpringBolt1.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/dsopac/LeafSpringBolt3.JPG

Felt safer not having to be under the truck as this was my first time replacing leaf springs. I did have the sawsall and fire if this didn't work though...

[TQM3 (Last IFS in AZ)]

For those without access to cool tools hope this helps...

Soaked the threads the day before, but the front leaf spring nut and bolt still wouldn't budge. After an hour of banging, lifting, swearing I wedged the breaker bar/cheater bar on top of the axle and lifted the axle with the stock bottle jack. Didn't lift it much as the cheater was wedged on pretty good, but eventually the nut gave and was able to get it off. The bolt didn't want to be hammered out, so after the nut was off, I soaked the bolt and just worked the bolt until it finally let go...

http://www.geocities.com/dsopac/LeafSpringBolt1.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/dsopac/LeafSpringBolt3.JPG

Felt safer not having to be under the truck as this was my first time replacing leaf springs. I did have the sawsall and fire if this didn't work though...


I'm sure glad we don't have rust here! must be a PITA!

[00Andy]

Had the same problem when working on my leaf springs - but with the forward bolt. I ended up getting the breaker bar from hell and and pulling down with full body weight while laying underneath. (Using double redundant jack stands on the frame of course). Dangerous, but at least I wasn't doing it like this guy:

http://www.unm.edu/~andy00/images/womenlivelonger.jpg

[toyotaman21]

in my experience(not that much) i just take a torch and heat them up real good till their red, and then take them off, much easier when their stuck like that

[BigBro]

For those without access to cool tools hope this helps...

Soaked the threads the day before, but the front leaf spring nut and bolt still wouldn't budge. After an hour of banging, lifting, swearing I wedged the breaker bar/cheater bar on top of the axle and lifted the axle with the stock bottle jack. Didn't lift it much as the cheater was wedged on pretty good, but eventually the nut gave and was able to get it off. The bolt didn't want to be hammered out, so after the nut was off, I soaked the bolt and just worked the bolt until it finally let go...

http://www.geocities.com/dsopac/LeafSpringBolt1.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/dsopac/LeafSpringBolt3.JPG

Felt safer not having to be under the truck as this was my first time replacing leaf springs. I did have the sawsall and fire if this didn't work though...


Necessity is the mother of invention. Outstanding job!

[96tacolx]

in my experience(not that much) i just take a torch and heat them up real good till their red, and then take them off, much easier when their stuck like that

I`ve had a lot of experience dealing with seized up bolts/nuts. (not always on a vehicle) If you are able, heat it up and then cool it off with water or ice. Works real well.

If you are worried about cracking, let it cool down on it`s own.

[toyotaman21]

i knew i was doing something right

[dadunc205x]

i used a forklift until the shackles/spring were in a neutral arc, that and a bit of wd-40 helped the bolts pop right out.