replaced the front brake rotors, pads, added a leaf and changed the shocks in the front this weekend, and was hoping to continue my fun in the rear, but I can't get the dern u bolts off the leafs.. do any of you all have a good trick for stubborn bolts? I've soaked it several times with pb blaster, used a breaker bar, beat the **** out of it, to no effect. Any Ideas? Btw, the truck rides much better withe the adda leafs in the front, gave me an extra inch before i'm on the bumps.

 

Not with bolts, but with nuts on bolts I have tried what you have, I also will use a MAP gas torch and heat the nut. The idea is to expand the nut without expanding the bolt. Sometimes that will allow be to break the rust. I avoid acetelene because I usually get too carried away and end up cutting something . Of course you need to watch the normal safety issues - avoid flammable material nearby and appropriate safety gear. I also have a 600lb+ air impact wrench - that saves the wrists

Best wishes,

 

I've had to resort to cutting the U-bolts off before on other trucks. We have a local spring shop that will just bend some new ones up while you wait. This way you can get the exact length you need.

 

Even a propane torch will get 'em hot enough. Get the nuts glowing red and they will back right off.

 

I have had luck with U-bolt nuts using Rapid-Tap ,get the nut hot with torch then spray some rapid tap on it from a spray bottle a few times. I know this is not what this stuff is made for but it seems to work good and it smells great when its burning!

 

you have to get on those threads with a wire brush before you even think about turning the nut. otherwise it will just bind up a few turns up the bolt. i made the same mistake. ended up torching them off. people also told me find a spring shop to bend me some new U-bolts. i dont know why, considering my local parts store has them for dirt cheap.

 

I saw some at advance today that looked way tougher than the stockers for pretty cheap---they were even long enough for my late 1st gen lift blocks.

 

Its usually best not to reuse u-bolts. They tend to keep backing off if you do and can even be a problem with brand new ones

 

So I should just go ahead and get new one's? When I did the front, I went to a shop and had them made for $10 apiece... that seemed like a pretty good deal. Thanks for everyones input.. I'm learning alot .
Mike

 

Yes, get new ones, youll be happier. I replaced mine in the rear back in Feb, went to remove them today with my 3/4" breaker bar, and gave up. soaked, heated, etc. As mentioned, its best not to re-use. The spring shop that sold me all of my stuff, and has a vey good reputation, said u-bolts are made to stretch, and youll never get the same result the second time. I believe they are like 5 or 6 bucks each, well worth it.

 

my new I/R titanium 1/2"impact with a 1000lbs of tq will get em right off,or breakem. its the BOMB

 

well, that makes sense... I can hear 'em squeaking and stretching in the front.. check them (and tighten)after I drive a rocky road. Thanks again for all the advice.
Mike