Leaf spring hammer pin, front HELP

So, here I sit, rather overstretched and frustrated. I got some OME expo leaf springs and today was the day to put then in. Not. The whole assembly is taken apart EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT HANGER PIN! Please tell me ite is supposed to slide out backwards with no issues. Because, it ain't.

 

Think I used a pry bar and a hammer and once it moved it came out....

Give it a few good wacks.....

Some guys have had to cut them off, worst case.....

 

Thank you. Been doing that for about an hour. Really making me upset. Guess I'll keep whacking...........
Really don't wanna cut. No replacements

 

If you have help try an impact in reverse as you try prying it from the back

 

Are we sure that the bolt doesn't screw out, too? Getting more upset. I may have to cut and go to ace hardware. Please, nooooooooo. I've been a good boy.

 

You are trying to get the bolt out so you can change the springs right? Then if you can turn it with an impact the it will free it some to then hammer out

 

Impact isn't even turning it. And, I'm afraid that if I cut then the head will be stuck

 

Then it might be bent. Try some upward pressure on the leaf springs if you haven't already. Just enough so that the spring is not going to have pressure on the bolt and try hitting it again.

 

It's frozen stuck to the collar inside of the spring, the only way is to cut off the bolt and buy a new one. I have had the same thing happen on different truck, fought for hours, cut off in seconds, done.

 

What Nickel said - the bolt is indeed seized to the steel sleeve within the rubber spring eye bushing. A reciprocating saw with a quality metal cutting blade can be used to cut the sleeve and the bolt inside the hanger, just be careful not to damage the inside faces of the hanger when sawing. You will need a new 14mm bolt though. When you assemble, apply antiseize to the whole length of the new bolt to prevent a repeat.

 

Crap. OK, cut, cut, cut,cut.

 

It isn't bent. It is frozen solid in the rubber bushing. No amount of beating on it is going to break it free.

This is a fairly common issue, I'm surprised you did not come across this in your research. When this happens the easy solution is to cut the head off. We've also burned them out with a torch.

I've changed rear leafs out three times on the current rig but have helped with many other swaps. I always have a set of these on hand:

 

it's basically what others have said prior...
turn the bolt, use a crow (leverage) bar and hammer/leverage that bolt outward.

That forward hanger bolt should easily turn in the hanger eyes
it doesn't look to be too corroded to me and it isn't a captured threading.

But I'll suspect the softer sleeve inside is either pinching the bolt
or has become corroded internally and is holding it from turning.

I don't know how strong yer impact wrench setting is...
but mine, set at 400 ft/lbs, would either turn that bolt
or snap the head off.

Either way... it will be coming apart if you eat yer spinach.

If you must cut them off...
cut on the inside surface of the hanger(s)
so that the bolt will clear the hanger(s) eye(s)
And can be removed with less difficulty.

Be sure that the spring/axle weight is lifted neutral on that bolt.
Improper rise or fall (position) of that spring/axle weight
can increase the tension on that bolt if positioned incorrectly.
And even if the bolt might turn... it may be more difficult to pry it outward.

If there is tension on that bolt when it finially does push thru
or pop loose after cutting it.
Be wary of that because the spring popping free could hurt you.

When ya go to put 'er back together...
lubricate(grease) the bolt and sleeve generously
so it doesn't seize up like that again.

 

Yes, I was hoping that my rig would be the exception. I read all those posts of issues with this but, jumped in any way. Had to have a beer to dull the senses before starting to cut. Off to the garage. Wish me luck.

 

Good luck!

 

hopefully that beer doesn't impair your abilities so much
that you find out that you're missing fingers or something worse !? Lol

good luck with it... game on ! Lol

 

Actually, I don't drink. That's for the wife. She wanted to be included. It's safer that way. She'll have a beer, sit in the chair and watch.

 

Quit screwing around! Less posting, more cutting!

 

And use some goddamn anti-seize on the new bolt you'll have to buy to replace the one you just cut. Save the next owner the hassle.

 

Hahahaha! Next owner will be my daughter. That's one tough bolt! Gone thru 3 blades and not even half way thru.

I need a laser, obiwan