What is the best way to get off those very stubborn leaf shackle bolts that have rusted into that bushing sleve?
That darn star end is now stripped an so is the 10 mm bolt end.
Tried a big bearing press with no luck an a blow hammer too.
I hate to go with torch option but will if I have to.
Can I drill out or cut that metal sleave that is around the outside of the rubber an try to cut out that rubber an inside sleve to get access to entire bolt ?
Sawzall didnt cut into the sleve/ bolt too great either.I guess bolt is the #8 hardened steel?
Any tips are appreciated.
Thanks

 

can you get either bolt out? I assume youre talking back end of spring because you say "shackle"

If they wont come willingly, I burn out the bushings and replace them.

 

Yeah, me too. They have been in there for quite some time, and have become one with the bushings. Cut the ends off so you can drop the spring, then burn the bushing out with a torch.

 

[1st pic ]
I'll be trashing the leaf spring an that bushing /brolen shackle after removal ,...so I can tear into it in any way .

What tooth blade works the best on the seawall the 14tpi for hard metals?

I've drilled out a row over that metal casing[over rubber bushing],an will do one more row , in order to get to the rubber, so I can then get to that sleave that's rusted into the bolt.

I'm replacing the leaf springs,back an front shackle an bushings. On other shackle I still havent got bolt off yet so I'll have to do this on both bolts.


Thanks .

 

Got that outer collar an rubber bushing off .I drilled the row along collar an prayed it off.
The inside sleve has rusted into the bolt.
I guess I'll drill another row in it an pry it off.
If I replace those bolts do they have to be grade 8? I hate those star/hex bit ends !

And will that aluminum thread lube or a type of lithium lube help with preventing another " rust-weld" on the new bushing sleve?

 

I would just replace the bolts. Grade 8 might be overkill, but, for the suspension, I really don't mind a bit of overkill.