JonR

Went to install add a leafs in the front of my 92 the last to evening and ran into a problem on the passenger side. The outside of the axle uses normal ubolts to retain the spring on it's perch but the inside has studs that go into the housing and of course they are to short. Are these studs removable so i can get new ones made or what is the proper fix for this? I know i can't be the only to come across this. Sorry for being long winded.

Thanks
JON

imabnormal

i had a similar axle/spring set-up once on a Ramcharger, as i recall, but i'm not sure.... i either did change them to longer studs, or i used bolts (i think that i used bolts and i think that reason i had to was because i put 3" blocks between the springs and the axle. and i think that it was my ramcharger that i did it to... but i really don't remeber exactly) anyway, they should come out without too much trouble.

Boatnik

Looking at the pictures in my 1993 manual I would say they are replaceable, BUT, it looks like trouble. All the years of water and road salt probably have them locked in there pretty good. I would be prepared to drill them out just in case. And I bet they are a good grade alloy makeing it even more fun.

JonR

That is what i figured. Guess i will have to break out the blue tipped wrench and find a stud remover with a free replacment warrenty

Thanks
JON

Boatnik

Heat is a good idea but I would soak it overnight with a good penetrating oil like Kroil or PB Blaster first. Then "massage them with a ball peen" and try a pipe wrench. You are going to throw them away so why get a stud remover? Just don't get in a hurry and they should come out. Everytime they move a little hit them with more oil and tap on the top of them. Work them back and forth a little at a time. Another trick I use is to weld a nut to the top of the stud and lightly use an impact wrench back and forth. Good Luck!

P.S. it wouldn't hurt to have a garden hose nearby or a good fire extiguisher.

Ilikebikes

When I took the front lift blocks off my truck from the previous owner, I just went to the hardware store and bought grade 8 bolts and bolted those on. They're been fine for almost 900 miles. Speaking of that, I need to go re torque my u bolts!

Boatnik

HE had lift blocks on the front?????????

Ilikebikes

Yes. Scary thought huh? That was the VERY first mod I did to the truck, get rid of the front blocks and level it out with 2" skyjackers!!

I was lucky that this was the only booty fabbed part on the truck. Everything else looks and runs great, and couldn't pass it up for the price.

andyr354

They are screw in studs. Just lock two nuts together to back them out, no need for a stud remover. Might have to put alittle heat on them to break them loose.

If you replace with bolts the length is critical. Make shure you screw them in as far as possible for thread engagement but still get the springs clamped tight.

JonR

I will likley get new studs made. I have a good (but horridly pricy) spring shop just down the road. Just a side note for any others on my Front spring bolts had seived into the seized into the bushing so tight that 4ft of cheater bar and lots of anger would not release them. I ended up using a cut off wheel between the spring and mount to get the spring out. Hopefully if i get another project out of the barn early next week i can get the 92 back roadworthy soon. That is if the better have dosn't kill me for " All you ever do is work on those **** trucks"

JON