Leaf Spring Bolts

Motocentro · Post by **Motocentro** » April 13, 2011, 8:56 am

So I'm replacing the rear leaf springs on my '65 SWB. Swapping out worn and sagging (in different directions) light weight (4 leaf) set with a set of used 6 leaf springs (fingers crossed they are tit).

My situation and question: I want to replace the spring bolts but I didn't think ahead. Truck is up in the air and as it turns out, leaf spring bolts aren't as easy to find new as they once were (gone the way of the weahterhead cabinets/bins).

Can I find and use a grade 5 or higher bolt from a hardware store? Or do I need to be patient and order the $10+ bolts from DC, LMC, etc?

Thanks, guys.

Gatkpartz6179 · Post by **Gatkpartz6179** » April 13, 2011, 9:22 am

Grade 8 cad plated,tractor supply co.Know they got em,am employee[still]

Motocentro · Post by **Motocentro** » April 13, 2011, 9:32 am

PETE!!!!

You da man. And yes - these are the springs you sold me not too long ago. I figured some grade 8's would work, just wanted to be sure. I'll check the Lowe's and hit the TS (since it's a further piece) if the Hardware folks don't have.

Jim

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » April 13, 2011, 10:06 am

leaf spring bolts are odd sized and hard to find in a common hardware store.

the smaller ones are 7/16 thread and the larger ones are 9/16. the 7/16 are not too difficult to locate ,the 9/16 are much harder to find, a spring shop or large fastener warehouse is the best place.

Motocentro · Post by **Motocentro** » April 13, 2011, 10:28 am

AH! the plot thickens. I'll hit a fastener store.

Motocentro · Post by **Motocentro** » April 13, 2011, 12:49 pm

I found the 9/16"-12 x 4" at Lowe's:

Leaf Spring Bolts

They had what will work, way cheaper than the fastener places, small hardware shops (who I'd prefer to support) or any auto supply (online or otherwise.

63Longbow · Post by **63Longbow** » April 13, 2011, 3:13 pm

ace is the place.....

Gritsngumbo · Post by **Gritsngumbo** » April 13, 2011, 3:32 pm

Cool! I was going to suggest Fastinal, but if Lowes has them, and cheaper, so much the better.

Motocentro · Post by **Motocentro** » April 13, 2011, 6:40 pm

63Longbow wrote:ace is the place.....

Oh yeah. Absolutely. My favorite - Intown Hardware - didn't stock 9/16" and the next closest Ace (who did had them) was a real bear traffic-wise (+30 min) and lowe's was on the way home.

The Fastenal guys had them - but were surprisingly unknowledeable and not real helpful . .. until the slightly older kid looked up the retail price on 6 grade 8 in 9/16 (they list a 1.99 but stock the 10.99 "set") bolts and accompanying nuts and decided to call back. This isn't an assessment of Fastenal, of course but at least my local franchise.

At any rate. I got em. they fit. installing these springs Saturday.

Jim