Spring bolt removal

[sandy78]

Okay, I'm dropping my 10B w/Springs attached to make room for my 4" lift and D60 . I am having great difficulty with the bolts holding the springs on to the truck. They are almost 30 yrs old, and sledgehammer is having trouble convincing them to leave. Since I don't intend to reuse the springs, I am thinking of cutting the bolts inside the mounts with either sawsall or angle grinder. Has anyone used either? Which worked best? Anything to watch out for? Thanks.

 

[muddermilitia]

I had the same problem with my rear spring bolts The sawzall just wasnt cutting them so I used the angle grinder

 

[Steve GMC]

if u can get a big angle grinder (7-9") thatd be perfect. my 41/2 once the tip wore offf the grinding wheel i had to get a new 1. then i just got mad and used the torch. and sawzalls do nothing to grade 8 bolts

 

[Chevy305]

I've been there. sounds to me that the sleave inside the bushing has frozen to the bolt and that bolt is going no where. I used an angle grinder, I had to get creative on the angles inorder to cut more into the bolt. Also I just went straight through the bushing and burn bushing doesn't smell good.

 

[Blue90]

I've been there. sounds to me that the sleave inside the bushing has frozen to the bolt and that bolt is going no where. I used an angle grinder, I had to get creative on the angles inorder to cut more into the bolt. Also I just went straight through the bushing and burn bushing doesn't smell good.

Exactly I couldnt have said it better.

 

[JEBSR]

Make sure you put some anti-sieze around the new bolts when they go in. It will keep this from happening again.

 

[goldwing2000]

I used a torch. Angle grinder would be the next best choice.

 

[cybrfire]

Also I just went straight through the bushing and burn bushing doesn't smell good.

The only way to do it! Run a larger diameter thin wheel between the hanger and spring itself and cut the bolt. WATCH YOUR FINGERS!

 

[sweetk30]

i use a air hammer with button head thats concaved so it wont fall off the bolt wile hammering on it. this will 75% of the time release it from the death grip of rust. but if not heat the bolt up on the head and threads. let it cool and the heat will soak in then air hammer it again. this will get them about 95% of the time. last is cut it out 5% of the time.

once it moves to the point you cant hammer on it. then drive it back in and back out a few times this will push the rust out.

and i live and work in the rust belt of he!! thay dump salt all winter long around hear.

 

[sandy78]

Spring bolt removal report.

Went to Home Depot and picked up a 7" metal blade for my Skil circular saw. Cost me $2 and went right through them. I really wouldn't have wanted to reuse as they were really rusted away. Rearward shackle hanger bolts came right out just like they were put in yesterday. No rust or anything. Go figure. Thanks for the suggestions guys!