Hi all

I am restoring a 1985 2WD reg cab. I am putting a 5.0 in it with a C4. I have sandblasted the frame and used Eastwoods coatings on the frame. I am now replacing all rubber bushings and spring bushings. I pulled the rear leafs off and the one side the bolt that holds the leafs together was so rotted it had to be replaced. The bolt is special as the head is round (not hex).

My questions

#1 Do I have to find an exact replacement bolt for it or can I use a standard bolt with a hex head? If I need an exact replacement where do I get one?

#2 If I can use a regular bolt should it be hardened grade 8 or can I just use a regular grade 5

#3 When tightened do you tighten it until the leafs are totally squashed together or is there a torque setting used?

Round two

I want to make the springs and rear look good as the rest of the truck will be all but new. How should I deal with the springs?

Sandblast and paint? I do not know if paint will hold up to a spring action. Any ideas?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

with that bolt, you have to make sure the head can fit into the alignment hole on the spring perch, if it does use it but id go with a grade 8 bolt...what would be the price difference on such a small bolt.
i think some regulate rattle can should be good on the springs, just blast them and paint each leaf while you have them separated.

 

Heah
Thanks for the help.
Is there a torque value on that bolt? I see the bolt that is there is threaded all the way where a regular bolt is not. I am not sure if that will be important. Do you have any idea about that? Since I am going through all this work I want to do it right.
I have never messed with suspension so I am a bit stupid in this area.

Thanks

 

Use a grade 8 bolt with the right shank diameter, I think 3/8". You will have to grind the corners on the hex slightly to get it to fit in the alignment hole on the spring perch. This is easy to do, just chuck up the bolt in a drill motor and spin it while hitting it with a grinder. The springs have to be squeezed all the way together, use a c-clamp to squeeze them while you put the bolt in, this makes the job much easier.

 

IIRC its 40 ft-lb for that bolts.

If you call any spring shop, they can sell you the right bolt for cheap. Its a fine thread pitch bolt.

 

i was thinking 45 ft-lbs but 40 might be right. i used 3/8 grade 8 bolts on my rear leafs and they worked fine. but put a washer on each side and lock washer

 

i didnt think you could run washers on the bottom, so the leafs lay flat on the perches...

 

what are you talking about?