1980 chevy half ton spring help

[kris's66lwb]

i have a 1980 chevy big 10 bonanza and i think the center pin is busted on one or both the rear leafs i need to know what size the pin is length and diameter of the shank and whatnot and how to do this repair with the spring still in the truck and the axle lowered

[1LowToy]

What makes you think the spring center bolt is broken?

I was thinking of unbolting mine again to add a lowering spacer and using big C clamps to hold them together while replacing the center bolt and adding the spring spacer. In theory it should work but I haven't been there.

[kris's66lwb]

i know its broken cuz the axel sits farther ahead on one side than the other causing a pull plus the origonal wheels on the truck were bent to hell on one side from hitting a curb and the rear end of the frame is all scaled up from backing the boat in the water for 30 years so thos three things tells me he hit a curb and it wa enough of a shock to snap the severly corrded pin

[Jonboy]

Like was previously stated, use a pair of C clamps to hold the spring, and replace the center bolt. You can get them at Napa and such. I would either match your existng one, or measure the size of the hole. The bolt is quite a bit longer than you will need, you just cut off the excess after it is tightened down. You should only have to move the rearend enough to get the bolt in, so there is no need to disconnect the bakes and all.

[80stepsideguy]

How about taking that leaf off the truck n C clamping like mentioned and then that way your not fighting over the rearend or inside the wheel well.

thanks
pat

[kris's66lwb]

because i dont want to mess with taking the spring out or the rear out all the way

[J Knight]

The center bolt is 3/8in dia, 2in long, fine threads, nylon lock nut.

[kris's66lwb]

thats for how many leafs j knight ? i think i have 6 leafs

[J Knight]

That's for 4 leads. 3 regular leafs and 1 thick overload. If you got 6, maybe 2.5 in long.

[kris's66lwb]

O0k cool thanks they want me to bring them in and they will match them at the parts house

[J Knight]

Best thing to do is measure the thickness of the springs and add 1/2 in for nut. Also you will have to grind the hex points off the head of the bolt to fit in the spring perch.

[kris's66lwb]

Is that strong nuff ? I beat the hell out of my truck some people say that a grade 8 isnt good nuff cuz the pins are made out of some special steel and sorry for the caps i have to use them at work

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by 1LowToy

I was thinking of unbolting mine again to add a lowering spacer and using big C clamps to hold them together while replacing the center bolt and adding the spring spacer. In theory it should work but I haven't been there.

Yep - this will work.

Originally Posted by J Knight

The center bolt is 3/8in dia, 2in long, fine threads, nylon lock nut.

You can also use a cap screw (a machine screw with the internal allen head). My recollection is that those are also the correct size.

K

[kris's66lwb]

ok cool thanks guys