There are times where I use OEM parts too, but sometimes the aftermarket parts offer some advantages, such as not having stupid f'ing torx heads. Not to mention I can't even find a picture of that bolt if I search for that part number online, so I don't know if it's even the right one or not until I see it.

 

I do understand the dislike of Torx bolts in a location like that, Ford/Mercury used a shallow Torx on the 1999+ Cougars for the rear caliper bracket bolts, nearly lost a thumb due to one of those.

As for not finding a picture, best I can do is the catalog illustration, if it's a '99 Durango and you're looking for #16 in this picture then the part number I posted should be correct.



-Steve

 

Yup, number 16 is the one I'm having issues with and I suspect the shackle bolts (numbers 7 and 9 on the diagram) aren't going to be any different.

 

It's just a bolt, all three of them.

 

I would just try and be sure you have a smooth shank on the part the sleeve rides on. Less wear on the bushing sleeve

 

Heck, I've abused trucks I've built with grade 5 bolts for the springs.
Its not like your actually going to break one.
Grade 5's will bend before they break.
Grade 8's will just break. Not intended to bend.
I work on heavy trucks and equipment for a living.
All frame bolts for cross members, suspension brackets, pump mounts, etc etc. All get grade 8.
But grade 8 for springs on a little pick-up. Sure. I would but only because I'd get them free from work.
But grade 5 never failed me.
Well, they did on my winch bumper once. Only once.
Four 3/8 grade five were replaced with six 1/2" grade 8.
But factory bolts at $6+ each?
Im way to cheap for that crap. I'd use a peice of rebar stuffed through and bent so it won't fall out before I paid that much for a bolt.

 

When I pulled out the spring bolts on my 2001, the bolts had a shoulder on the edges so it fit snugly inside the bushing. The bolts where the shackles mounted to the frame were just regular bolts. I really wish I would have taken a picture of them when I had the chance.

When I replaced them, all I used are grade 8 bolts with some washers and red loctite.

 

I don't snug them down a lot or use locktite, instead I just use nylon lock nuts and a snug fit (I can still put a wrench on the bolt head and rotate the bolt), have done it that way for years. I beat the crap out my Jeep on rocks and at max flex and never had one loosen up.

 

I'll tell you one thing, everything is getting coated in anti seize when I put it back together with new bolts.

 

That's definitely a smart decision.