Rear springs

[scotto0609]

I picked up a set of springs (thanks Scott) for the dually and would llike to take the center bolt out. Does it have pressure on it and should I use C clamps or can I just unbolt it? The reason I need to take it out is I need to transfer the overload spring from the springs that are on the truck. Is there any tricks to do this also? Thanks

 

[cybrfire]

There is some pressure. C clamps are a good idea.

 

[sweetk30]

all leaf packs have pressure on them in the centerpin area.

you must clamp them together and hold them there.

it will also halp with lining up the center hole when you reassemble the pack .

 

[scotto0609]

So to reassemble pack with overloads I just get longer centerpins? Are they just grade 8 bolts?

 

[sw99]

some are grade 5 so they have some give in them. Some (Like the WFO) ones are grade 8. There is debate on what is better...

 

[xenomarine]

I use socket cap hex bolts for mine, coarse thread. Seems like the fine thread ones from auto parts stores love stripping out. From what I can tell the center pin only holds or needs to hold tension until the spring plate is tightened down, then it mostly sees shear. Could be wrong, just trying to think logically about it

 

[dremu]

You will need one or two C-clamps, yes. Otherwise the leaves will boing apart when you pop the nut loose, possibly impacting your fingers or knees in ways your wife may not like. Expect to shuffle the C-clamps around a bit, as you may have interference issues with your overloads while you reassemble. Be careful of your fingertips

The center pins can be made from a 3/8" bolt of appropriate length. I find fine thread grade 8's work nicely. You can use a socket head if available, or you can round off a standard hex head in the poor man's lathe. (Put the bolt into your drill and run the head onto a grinder, ideally a bench grinder as it's easier to hold, until the head is more or less round.)

For reassembly, it's handy to have a tool to go through the holes in the leaves and line them up. I use a looong Phillips screw driver whose body is a ~3/8" diameter, but a steel rod or a prybar or whatever would work too.

-- A