stuck bushings

[beaker]

Hello Everybody
I was wondering if anybody had a good way of getting the leaf spring bolts out when they are stuck to the eye bushing in the front spring pocket.  I don't care about the springs.  I am pulling the old suspension out to put my lift into the newer truck.

I have removed them before and it was a royal pain.  I cut 3/8" of the eye bushing off at a time (all the room I had between the bracket and the leaf spring).

Do any of you know how to cut the leaf spring where it wraps around the bushing?  I didn't think I could get my angle grinder in there to cut it all the way through.  Has anybody tried?

Bernie

 

[massxj]

put  a 045 blade on the grinder and cut between the srping and the hanger. when the spring is out of the way weld a nut on the bolt stub that is left in the body then get a new grade 8 bolt for the new spring.  if this dosent sound right blame sam adams.

 

[Zookie400]

hot wrench! oh and get the fire hose ready BEFORE you start cutting. i usually forget that part :redface:

 

[JeepinMaxx]

When I had that problem, I ended up using a short blade on the SawZawl to cut the bolt (and/or bushing).  Sneak the blade between the perch and spring eye. Beware- the rubber bushings will burn.  Count on a couple of blades per spring eye.

 

[beaker]

They are free....Free I say!!!!!!!!

Cut all the metal off the outside with an angle grinder.

Rip the rubber bushing off with a pry bar.

Split the bushing mostly length wise with a dremel.

Use a locking pliers and twist the stuck bushing so it spins on the bolt.

Unscrew bolt until loose.

Cut bolt between brackets.

Drop pieces on gound.

Done.

Repeat on second bolt.

Grab a beer  enjoy. :beerchug:

That was way to much work to pull two bolts off....  Need a torch...

 

[massxj]

nice :wink: