Page 1 of 2

Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 22nd, 2014, 11:36 am
by JPP
I am trying to determine the pitch of the forward shackle 3/4 nut. This is the lower bolt as the top bolt does not have a nut. And yes this is not the center pivot bolt, as I believe that is much bigger. So I tried a 3/4 16, not sure if this is the one, snug to start. Help.

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 22nd, 2014, 4:41 pm
by Bob C
I measured one and can up with 16 TPI also.

Bob

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 22nd, 2014, 5:33 pm
by ModelAkid
If the threads are rusty you will need to clean them up with a thread die. I have to clean up threads with taps & dies all the time when I am working on old cars & trucks.

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 22nd, 2014, 5:48 pm
by Stakebed
or like one of mine was cross threaded... :shock:

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 22nd, 2014, 6:41 pm
by ModelAkid
"or like one of mine was cross threaded..."

I hate when that happens! In that case a thread die is the only chance to restore the threads.

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 23rd, 2014, 3:49 am
by JPP
Thanks for all the help.

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 23rd, 2014, 1:48 pm
by spdway1
Snyders sells the bolt and nut.

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 23rd, 2014, 5:41 pm
by JPP
Thanks for the insight, but a $1.80 nut will due for my needs.

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 23rd, 2014, 7:44 pm
by Stakebed
speaking of these bolts - how much wear is too much wear? $40 a pop is quite hefty if I can get by...

Does anyone have any dimensions of these bolts?

AA Rear Spring Shackle Bolts

Posted: December 23rd, 2014, 8:13 pm
by Neil Wilson
FYI

There were two styles of shackle bolts used for the AA rear springs. Attached are pictures. The square headed bolt was used starting April 1928 through May 1929. Otherwise, the hex. head bolt was used.
  • AA's without emergency brakes used three bolts per side (upper and lower shackle bolts and rear upper seat bolt).
    AA's with emergency brakes used two bolts per side (upper and lower shackle bolts).
The upper shackle bolt used AA-5782 Lock to prevent the bolt from turning. Otherwise, bolts uses a 3/4-16 (9/16 x 1-1/2) castle nut. The nuts were tightened to a sung fit and then backed of for the cotter to fit (they were not tightened).

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 24th, 2014, 5:04 am
by Stakebed
I've got several bolts that the threads are great and head is great but the shoulder is worn.

Would it be possible to lathe down the shoulder portion and slip a 1" OD bushing over it and JB weld or somehow secure the bushing from rotating?

1" bushings are much cheaper than $40 for a new bolt (i would need all 4...)

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 24th, 2014, 11:44 am
by spectria
The shear strength would not be lessened by reducing the diameter to fit a bushing as long as it remained larger than the threaded portion.. Just freeze the bolt and heat the bushing with a .003" interference and there will be no rotating going on...
I'd rather have a used/new correct bolt...

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 24th, 2014, 1:55 pm
by Drew Mashburn
Stakebed:

If you're not planning on carrying a lot of weight, I imagine your method would work perfectly well. And, should it not work out, well......great topic for further discussion.

Go for it!
-- Drew

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 24th, 2014, 9:27 pm
by Stakebed
Yea i may put 1000lbs max on the bed.

ill see how much i can get bushings for.

heres what i can come up with

http://www.grainger.com/product/BUNTING ... 1?$smthumb$

id pay less than $40 for the package of 3 with my discount.

Re: Rear leaf spring forward link bolt

Posted: December 24th, 2014, 11:06 pm
by spectria
I think you need a one piece hard steel sleeve. If you have access to a lathe, you can make them.