HELP!!...Middle of AAL installation...problem

[BobCarter]

Hey, I'm in the middle of installing my pro-comp add a leaf and cant seem to get the old centering bolt off. I removed the shock and ubolt bracket, but when I try and remove the nut on the centering bolt...the bolt just keeps spinning. I can't see that there is anyway possible to stop it either? Someone mentioned cutting it??? I do not want to go that route. Its easier said than done, and what if i cut that one and run into a problem...I guess I just dont really understand how the centering bolt and nut situation is supposed to work. Thanks, Bob

 

[SteveVB]

clamp the Springs and cut

Clamp the springs and cut it. You may be able to get some vice grips on the head to keep it from turning but I doubt it. You would aleady be done if you just cut it.

Anytime I work on the suspension I plan on replacing the fastener- its just easier to give it a try and then cut- you can spend hours upon hours trying to get a bolt off that cant and shouldnt be used again.

CUT CUT CUT CUT

Sawsall and the milwaukee "torch" blade works really well.

Good Luck

 

[410Fortune]

Yup, the guy who sold you the AAL should have also sold you new centering pins, these are a one use type deal...........YOu will NEVER get the stock ones apart...no way no how. 4" grinder also works well....

When you install the new ones make sure you get ones that fit in your centering hole too, otherwise you might have to grind a little of the radius (Like I have like 4 times now to fit in my old blocks.......)

Like he said, when working with leaf springs, centering pins, hangers, shackles, whatever. Plan to replace the hardware and cut the old stuff, because that stuff is not coming apart.....................use grade 8 hardware for leaf mounts.............

 

[Alec]

The Procomp aals should come with new centering bolts.

You pretty much always have to cut leaf centerbolts off, no way around it. A 4" angle grinder is $30 or less at Home Depot.

 

[hawaiianexp00]

i used vice grips on mine and it came right off

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

I replaced my shocks today, and I had to cut off and replace the large lower bolt on the rear shocks. I also had to cut off the upper mounting bolt on the front shocks. Sometimes its just easier to cut and replace than it is to use cans of PB blaster and brute force.

My Impact wrench wouldn't even break these!!!

Use a swazall, grinder like others have said, or cut off tool if you have shop air.