I'm working on a CalTrac installation...got the passenger side leaf spring disconnected from the hanger with no problem at all. The driver's side is a different story. I got the nut off, but I think the bolt is rusted or corroded into the bushing sleeve...any tips on how to get it out of there? I can get it to turn, and I was able to thread it out to a certain point, but now it's just spinning inside the bushing. I tried several whacks with a BFH and only succeeded in bending up the tip of the bolt. Will a ball joint press or something similar work? Any other ideas? I shot a ton of PB Blaster in there but that didn't do too much.

 

blue wrench AKA torch will do the trick

 

Yep. That's what I had to do when I put a lift on my old Jimmy.

 

That will melt the rubber, but won't I still be left with a bolt stuck in a metal sleeve after the rubber has melted away?

I have a small torch I bought for plumbing work, will that work or do I need something better? I think it's a MAPP gas torch...

 

If you can't get the old bolt out, you sure you can get a new bolt back through? I figured you were replacing the bolt and bushing so could just melt it out. I'm stumped then.

 

I am replacing the bushing, the Caltracs have a solid bushing that will go in it's place. Is there a metal sleeve through the factory bushing? The bolt still goes through the hanger at this point, so I haven't even been able to drop the spring yet.

 

If it's rusted in the sleeve you're fucked.

I had to get a new set of leaf springs when I did my flip kit because the shackle bolts were seized to the bushing.

The only other option is to burn out of the rubber with a torch.

 

I'd soak it in PB and let it sit overnight. then hit it with the torch to see if that will expand the metal sleeve enough to get the bolt out.

On my 87 Jimmy, there was a metal sleeve inside the rubber bushing that the bolt went through. Not sure on your truck but I would guess there is.

 

Ball joint press will work if you have the room. I had a similar problem on my 94 sonoma and the balljoint press popped it right out.

 

Thanks guys. I have to get a ball joint press to get the rubber bushings out and the solid bushings into the springs anyway, hopefully that will do ths trick. If not, I'll hit it with a torch and see what happens.