Replacing leaf springs

I recently broke my drivers side leaf spring and decided to replace both with some OME Dakar springs. I got all the bolts out of the rear shackles with some WD-40 and a breaker bar, but have not been able to get the bolts out of the front of the leaf spring. I hear this is a common thing. I’ve already broken 2 ratchets and used a lot of gas torching it. The drivers side is more difficult than the passenger, because the fuel tank is in the way of the nut on the back of the bolt. Should I just cut them or has someone found an easier way to remove these bolts?

 

Just cut them and be done!!

I have yet to be able to get the bolt out of the steel sleeve .

I cut both ends of the bolts off with a cutting disc pry the mount apart and pop the spring out .

 

That’s probably what I’ll end up doing. I’m just a little nervous to have sparks flying onto my fuel lines and fuel tank. Yes, it’ll probably be okay, but still a little sketchy. Also where did you find the replacement bolts?

 

After my first spring replacement I bought them from Toyota and have them on hand.

I would need to measure the ID of the Spring Bushing you might be able to use 1/2" or 9/16" that you might find local to you .

It does not hurt to have a Fire Watcher !

Wet Cotton rags work wonders as well.

Then you should have No Gas leaks either

 

I cut mine off with an air powered cut-off wheel after a lot of swearing and busted knuckles. There were some sparks around the fuel tank, but since it didn’t leak it wasn’t an issue.

 

Sawzall will fit in there too, no sparks to worry about. Have a few carbide blades on hand.

 

Yep, cut them. Replacement bolts were at the dealer for about 8$ each at the dealer several years ago

 

230k miles on mine when I undid my bolts; the front were the most stubborn just like yours.

Soaked the bolts over the course of 2 days with PB Blaster and finally used a 1/2" drive, 15" long breaker bar to break the bolt loose.

Did you give the head of the bolt a good whack?

Otherwise, cut it off like everyone else suggested.

 

Best to replace your U-bolts with new ones, too.

Or get yourself a couple of these from the one-time-use store and an impact socket set

 

There was a thread yesterday with same issue. A larger cutting disc on an angle grinder will do the trick. Personally I like using a sawzall with diablo blades but that's just me.

 

24" snap on breaker bar and if that don't work put the jack handle on it.

 

I have no problem getting the nuts off.

Getting the bolt out of the steel bushing sleeve is the problem.

The steel sleeve and the bolt just spin together

 

Sorry new problem. What’s the best way to get these bushing out? Thanks.

Yes I know my frame is crusty.

 

Knock the rust off of it. I had to.

 

Disregard. I got it out with a screwdriver.

 

Anybody have suggestions for a 2nd gen? Having a tough time getting the angle grinder in there to cut the bolts. Consider cutting the spring so I hammer it around to the other side of the bolt. Is this a horrible idea?

 

I don't know why folks all jump straight to cutting (unless the bolt has welded itself to the bushing sleeve). PB Blaster + impact gun works wonders.

 

Ha, I’ve been trying that since last Friday. Whole can of pb, air gun, 3’ break bar. Bitches are welded solid. Cutting is my last resort

 

You got a sawzall?