Sounds like the metal sleeve is seized to the bolt. This happened to me on my recent lift install (page 4 of my build thread). If you are replacing the leafsprings with a new full pack then don't waste any more of your time trying to back it out the proper way, just cut the bolt out with a sawzall. You can buy a replacement bolt at the dealer for $7. Maybe cheaper at a hardware store, but the ones around me didn't carry that particular bolt. The sawzall and a good blade will take only a few mins.

Note, you should try to make sure the bolt is backed out from the welded nut in the frame before cutting. That way you won't have to remove a bolt fragment. It sounds like it is, since it's spinning freely and not advancing.

 

Get under the Jeep, take a pair of pliers and bite the retaining tab/e-clip. Wiggle it back and forth (up and down) and work it out. This took me some time as well but it eventually will let loose. I also sprayed some PB Blaster to help lubricate it's removal. It's a little awkward because of the shape of the clip and your positioning under the Jeep but just take your time and put some muscle into it. Wear safety glasses and be prepared to taste PB Blaster.

 

funny i was looking at your build a few days ago. yeah thats about what it looks like. i think im free of the nut im goina try some more pb and maybe some heat to get her free then il cut. thanks for the advice.

and nice lookin jeep!

 

Tasting PB is never fun. I wear safty glasses, gloves, and those cheap paper mask....keeps the junk out.

 

Ok so let me back up.

I got the kit yesterday and worked all day today and didnt get very far.
I got the new struts on with the help of my special tool (gotta love duck tape). then i started on the leafs. rear bolts came off with no problem. but then the front ones seized on me. thank god that sanchezcruz_20 had the same problem on his and helped me out.

so now day 2 is over:

• Old rear shock off new ones installed.
• rear sway bar off
• rear brake line half off ( got caught up with leafs)
• one leaf off
• one leaf half off (need to cut tomorrow)
• and in the need of two new bolts

all and all fun day of breaking bolts and i got a new sawzall (fun toy) hopefully i can get the back end done tomorrow without anything else going wrong. well will see...

 

more pics

 

I had little time to work today so I got the second leaf off and ordered new bolts they will be in tomorrow. the only thing that sucks is i will have no time tomorrow to put the back end together. but o well il start working on her on Saturday.

 

yea i had the same problem with my rear spring bolts and had to do the same thing it sucked but better to have new bolts then ones with beat up threads

 

Im try to complete the rear and in the process I cant get my leafs back on!
The forward bolt (the ones i cut) wont thread into the nut and im starting to get a little frustrated at it.

should i try to re-tap it?

 

Same thing happened to me man. Also on the one I had to cut out as well. I think what happens is that you spend soooooo much time wrenching on it and screwing around with it to get it out that it eventually just messes up the threads. Then, when you go to reinstall the new stuff it won't go. That's why I advised you to stop fooling around with it and cut it from the getgo. You're build is starting to resemble mine, that is, NOT straightforward. Haha...

But yeah, I had to retap, which solved the problem.

Keep up the good work. It'll be worth it in the end.

 

re-tap and buy grade 8 bolts from rockys

 

I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED!!! every time I get into a jam I go back and look at your build. It must be the long MI winters taking a toll on the jeeps like you said NOT straightforward. but im having a great time doing it! Im done for the night. Im gonna go get a tap in the morning and try that. il let you know how it goes.

 

FINALLY the back end is done!

Took longer than i expected but i got her! after retaping that front nut and lots of prying its in. I even had to have my wife help me as i lined up the shackle she put the bolt in. LOL

so here are some pics

 

I will be starting the front end in the morning hopefully i will break less up there and it will go a little smoother !

 

I like it, nice job. The frt.is easier.