Stuck leaf spring bolts

[strange1]

What's the best way to remove them without ruining them? If that's not doable, what is the best way to remove the pressed in shackle bushing with the spring still under the truck? Not really wanting to burn it out, but I don't have a ton of time to waste dicking around with it.

 

[Jody Treadway]

Cut the head off and also cut off the "nut" end. Spread the hanger enough to get the spring out. Then you can use any number of tools. Press, air hammer, ball joint press, etc.

 

[mommucked]

I recall using a lot of cuss words also last time I messed w them, it seemed to help.

 

[WARRIORWELDING]

I have run a saw zall blade down between the shackle and the spring when a torch wasn't handy to blow the heads off. Also creates less heat and horrible burning rubber smoke and fire! Any that I've ran into seized get this treatment. Everything is usually so froze up it pays to replace the bushing, sleeve, and bolt. Time is money and screwing with those are a time killer. Now the upper bolt in alot of XJ rear shackles that a whole other level of , but their is tricks for those too.

 

[flatblackzj]

lately i've run into the bolts being seized into the bushing-usually a cut-off or grinder doesn't fit, so a sawzall is about the only way, you can use metal cutting blades, but you need to turn the speed way down to keep from peeling the teeth of the blade. the best blades i've found for this are the cast-iron/concrete/masonry blades with carbide bonded to the blade(diablo or equivalent). after that, use whatever works to press out the bushing.

 

[grapehead]

if you have access to air tools, i have had good luck with putting an impact on the bolt head and spinning it (or trying to) while hammering on the other end of the bolt and/or prying between the bolt head and hanger.