spring eye bolts

[78Suburban]

I know I've asked this before, but I never did get an answer, and I can't find it searching.

What is the spring eye bolt size for the front springs (I think its 2 different sizes, one for the rear eyes and another size for the front eyes)?

What about the bolt sizes for the rear 52" springs (I think I'm gonna do a shackle flip.

Any part numbers for rear spring bushings and u bolts? Is it possible that I could get away with doing a shackle flip and not messing with the old spring bushings in the rear, or is that asking for trouble?

thanks,
james

 

[steve_kibbe]

If you do the shackle flip, you don't have to take the ubolts off.

You can also use the bushings you already have, and up grade later.

Front spring eye bolts are 1/2 inch for the front, and 7/16 for the rear at the shackle IIRC

 

[4X4HIGH]

Front eye bolts on mine are 9/16" from the factory. Depending on year the rear bolts did change size. i think up to 1987 they were 7/16" then 1988 on they were 1/2"

 

[78Suburban]

Front eye bolts on mine are 9/16" from the factory. Depending on year the rear bolts did change size. i think up to 1987 they were 7/16" then 1988 on they were 1/2"

Cool. I guess I can just measure the stock ones to get the correct length. Will I need washers to go under the nuts I assume?

thanks,
James

 

[goldwing2000]

You people are thinking of wheel studs or something. I just put on new rear springs and all of the bolts are 9/16-12 x 4.5" on both my '80 and my '89.

I don't know about the fronts but I imagine they're probably the same. If the bolt head size is 13/16", then it's a 9/16" bolt. If it's 3/4", then it's a 1/2". If it's 11/16", then it's a 7/16". Nut sizes are usually one wrench size larger.

If you buy 1/2" bolts, you'll be going back to the hardware store. If you buy 7/16", then you're smoking crack.

Yes, you'll need two flat washers per bolt and ALL METAL lock nuts (none of that nylon insert crap). And be SURE to buy grade 8.

 

[78Suburban]

lock nuts... hmm... I've had ones with plastic before, but what consititutes an all metal lock nut, got any pics? I'm such a noob.

And I am asking about the fronts. But its nice to know the rears too, since I'll be doing a shackle flip.
thanks,
James

 

[goldwing2000]

All metal lock nuts are crimped at the top so they squeeze the bolt. They're also known as "deformed thread" lock nuts. They look like this:

Grainger has them for $12.11 for a pack of 50.

Throw a wrench on those front bolts and that will tell you what size they are. That's why I wrote all that stuff down for you.

 

[78Suburban]

All metal lock nuts are crimped at the top so they squeeze the bolt. They're also known as "deformed thread" lock nuts. They look like this:

Grainger has them for $12.11 for a pack of 50.

Throw a wrench on those front bolts and that will tell you what size they are. That's why I wrote all that stuff down for you.

Thanks

 

[timmay]

If you buy 7/16", then you're smoking crack.

I smoke crack. The factory size bolts for the rear eye of the front spring up to '88 are 7/16" diameter.

 

[steve_kibbe]

Goldwing2000, before you say we smoke crack, you better know whet you're talking about.

 

[78Suburban]

so for the front springs, its 7/16 for the rear eye, 9/16 for the front eye


and for the rear springs its 9/16 all around

and I need washers and locknuts all around

have I got it right now?

 

[YZEATER]

yes

 

[goldwing2000]

Goldwing2000, before you say we smoke crack, you better know whet you're talking about.

That's why I told him to stick a wrench on them to figure out the bolt size.

 

[Chevy305]

BTW, not many harware stores carry grade 8 7/16 bolts that are 5" long. 5" is an odd size and believe me I went to every harward store within 30mins of me and not one of them carried such a bolt, so I ordered min from http://www.mcmaster.com

 

[1-ton]

BTW, not many harware stores carry grade 8 7/16 bolts that are 5" long.

The major hardware chains do not carry 7/16" bolts or nuts...period. I have to go to a specialized Industrial Hardware Supply to get any 7/16" nuts and bolts.