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Shackle bolt clearance problem

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Old 03-15-2019, 05:59 PM
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Default Shackle bolt clearance problem

I should have titled this "Leaf Spring bolt clearance problem", can't change it now.

I am replacing all of the bushings on my leaf springs. One of them was totally trashed.



The problem that I am having is that the bolts in the front of the leaf spring won’t clear my rockbars. I have tried wiggling it in every conceivable direction and it still won’t clear. I have removed all of the other bolts holding the spring to allow more movement and still no luck.



I think that I need to start grinding on the rockbars to get a little more clearance. Would I be better off trying to drill a recess for the bolt?

Am I missing a better way to solve this problem?

Last edited by windlover; 03-15-2019 at 06:06 PM. Reason: Add drill question
Old 03-15-2019, 06:30 PM
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A recess is the solution...probably the only real one

If you can get them out, you may be able to cut them short a little and still have full thread engagement in the frame, but also have them clear.


.

Last edited by TRCM; 03-15-2019 at 06:57 PM.
Old 03-16-2019, 05:34 AM
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Probably drilling a hole in the rocker to give room for the bolt to back out would suffice.
Old 03-16-2019, 07:21 PM
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OK, I worked it out. I got the bolt to a sharp angle after tipping the

spring and then took a grinder to the rockbar and made a notch to slide the bolt out. It wasn't coming out of there without the notch.
Old 03-16-2019, 07:59 PM
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If you can cut 1/8" off that bolt and still get full thread engagement, it should be good
Old 03-17-2019, 02:50 PM
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I cut off almost 1/4 inch. This left about 1/8 inch alignment guide. The bolt slipped right in and threads up nicely.
Old 03-17-2019, 02:52 PM
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Congrats, Glad you got it done!
Old 03-17-2019, 06:26 PM
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Cool, I knew the stock bolts were plenty long.......
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