Need help with add-a-leaf

[BoatsRcool]

I got the leaf pack dissconnected from the axle, and the axle away. Now I have a problem. The only thing left holding the leafs together is that bolt at the bottom of the last leaf. When I try to turn that bolt with my socket wrench, the top thing moves. The top thing is just a circle, I cant stop it from turning. What do I do???

Also, where does the add a leaf go in the pack. I have a 1992 xlt.

 

[Stephen S]

I'm sorry no one got to this post earlier; you may have figured it out already. You might want to try grabbing it with a pair of channel-lock pliers or vice-grips to hold it while you break the nut on the bottom loose. Maybe an impact wrench if you have access to an air compressor.

The add-a-leaf will fit in the pack in order of length. Put it in where there is a longer one above it and a shorter one below it, hence in order of length.

 

[BoatsRcool]

Hey, I stopped working on it for today, I had a lot of trouble with a oil filter in my friends suburban that I was working on. Thanks for the help about the order of them. I think I will just hack saw off the end of the bolt tomorrow, i tried everything today. Thanks man. Why do they put a circle on the top? that makes no sense. The new bolts look skinnier, is that ok?

 

[Stephen S]

That circle acts as an alignment pin. It fits inside of a hole on the spring perch to line the springs up properly. I suppose a round head works better than a hex. Or the hole in the spring perch would have to be so large to accomodate a hex head for a bolt that large, so they put a smaller circle as a head. Who knows. The new bolts I put on my dad's F-150 were a little smaller than the stock ones too (Skyjacker add-a-leafs) and we didn't have any trouble with them.

 

[BoatsRcool]

Ok thanks man, should I just try to saw them off, i cant do it any other way it seems. You have been a great help though thanks.

 

[Stephen S]

No problem man, glad I could help.

Personally, I would try sawing them off as a last resort and try channel-locks or vice grips first, as I mentioned before. If that doesn't work, then try sawing.

 

[Bryce]

When I did mine, I remember using vice grips for something. I also remember using a "nut cracker" and I'm pretty sure it was for that bolt you're working on now. Don't you need to use the bolt again? Anyway, a nut cracker (which i got at sears) will bust the nut and then you can unscrew it easily.

 

[BoatsRcool]

hey, i may go look for that nutcracker (with a name like that I better be careful with it) if the hack saw doesnt work. I gotta try it tomorrow, thanks.

 

[mdrut]

One word.....DREMIL....The greatest tool ever invented..

 

[BoatsRcool]

Yea i was thinking a mini grinder or something would be great, but I really dont wanna run out and get one right now, kinda expensive, but i will one of these days.