C2 Rear Leaf Spring Replacement Bolts

[Ed McGettigan]

I had posted a message a few days ago relating to a replacement rear leaf spring and its height being 3/8 of an inch higher than the original. Two things were suggested:

(1) Remove the top leaf spring (which I would rather not do)

(2) Use a longer bolt

I like option #2 but I am having trouble finding anyone who has the right bolts.

I need 8 of them fr 2 cars. I've tried machine shops and a bunch of other places. Does anyone know where I can find them??

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2 Rear Leaf Spring Replacement Bolts

Why dont you just try option #1? It will allow you to use all of the original hardware and get a correct ride height and will not cost you a dime. WHAT A DEAL. If you decide that you dont like it then change it back.

[Ed McGettigan]

Re: C2 Rear Leaf Spring Replacement Bolts

Hi Wayne,

Do you just take the nut off, remove the top plate and bolt it back on??

Ed

[Craig S.]

Re: C2 Rear Leaf Spring Replacement Bolts

Ed - that's it, but be careful to load the spring first before tightening the bolts or you will crack the ears off the rear cover. If you do choose to use longer bolts, they should be available at an industrial fastener supplier such as Fastenal. Possibly McMaster-Carr has them too, you can check online...Craig

[Ed McGettigan]

Re: C2 Rear Leaf Spring Replacement Bolts

Craig - when you say load the spring first. Do you mean to hook up the side bolts with the bushing, then torque the 4 bolts in the rear?

Thanks for your help!

Ed

[Craig S.]

Re: C2 Rear Leaf Spring Replacement Bolts

You got it...you want the vehicle weight loaded onthe spring before you torque down the anchor plate. If you try and "pull up" the spring with no tension on it, you will immediately crack the ears off the rear cover, and you will be pulling the rear end down out of the car!.....Craig

[Patrick T.]

Re: C2 Rear Leaf Spring Replacement Bolts

I replaced the leaf spring on my '67 and the original bolts were too short. I found just the right size bolts at a Ford/New Holland tractor dealer where they service lawn mowers as well as construction backhoes. A John Deere Dealer would also have this kind of hardware.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Rear Leaf Spring Replacement Bolts

Ed-----

That's exactly how you do it. The bolt may have been cut off and "peened". However, when to back the nut off, it will "straighten" the threads, although it may be a little hard to back off. Use a new nut when you put it back together. It should be a 5/16" NF. Also, make sure that you don't reverse the direction of the bolt if it should fall out after you remove the nut. The nut must be on the BOTTOM of the spring.

Another thing: check to be sure that the head of the special center bolt is no thicker than the original bolt head. If it is, grind it down to the thickness of the original bolt head and well taper the top edge of the bolt for easier installation. The bolt head MUST NOT bottom in the hole in the cover when the spring bolts are tightened. This condition has cracked more rear covers than torquing the spring plate without first dearching the spring.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Rear Leaf Spring Replacement Bolts

Ed-----

The original bolts were a special bolt (non-standard unthreaded shank length) and were 9/16-12 X 3-1/8" long. A 3-1/2" or 4" GRADE 8 bolt of 9/16-12 size can be obtained in just about any good hardware store like Orchard Supply. Then, cut the bolt, if necessary, to the exact required length.

[Dave McDufford]

Re: C2 Rear Leaf Spring Replacement Bolts

I have found that a good source of bolts (including grade 8 ) is the Sears Hardware store - they have surprised me with their selection. They also have a great selection of bearings, bushings and other odd pieces. If Sears does not have it the next choice is ordering online from McMaster-Carr - they cost more but the service is great and they have never (in 15 years) been out of stock.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Rear Leaf Spring Replacement Bolts

Dave----

Sears Hardware Stores and Orchard Supply are, basically, the same thing. Several years ago Sears bought Orchard Supply from the W.R. Grace Co. Then, in some parts of the country where Orchard Supply hadn't been previously, they opened new stores as Sears Hardware. At some point in time, I expect that they'll "phase out" the Orchard Supply name and all will become Sears Hardware Stores. But, who knows? Orchard Supply is a pretty strong brand name.