Front Spring Perch

[Farmboy]

I figured out that the rivets that hold the front spring perch for the front axle on the drivers side are loose. One of them has already been replaced with a bolt. I am going to do that with the other two rivets also. Is this a common solution to this problem? It seems to be the best way to go.

[Ace]

You can see a little writeup I did on this subject, including the option for some lift here:

http://1stgen.org/viewtopic.php?t=2577

This type application calls for fine threaded grade 8 bolts to get the proper strength and clamping force. Otherwise it will just come apart again at some point.

[Farmboy]

Thanks Ace, definatly a neat option. However I don't have time for the leveling lift at this time. I leave for vacation monday to celebrate my one year anniversary and need the truck to tow the camper. By the way I found this in a pre trip inspection. Good thing I looked.

I was planning on using grade 8 bolts but I was not sure what size it took so it was nice to be able to read your write up to know it is 1/2" bolts. Now I can stop at the hardware and get the bolts on the way home from work instead of having to make a parts run half way through the project.

[Philip]

I would hit a big rig shop and pick flange head frame bolts and nuts. These spread the load over a larger area. The nuts are pinch type and not NY-locks like you find at hardware stores.

You don't need washers with flange bolts. Trying to use washers up in the cross bar under the raditor might not work. That area is real tight.

[Farmboy]

Well after two nights (Wednesday 4:30-10:30 & Thursday 5:00-9:00) The truck is finally back together, But only after alot of sweat, hard work and Mt. Dew! All I can say is thank goodness Dad has a nice air hammer with a lot of different chisels. Everything was rusted solid including the bolt that goes through the spring. So I did everything with it on the truck in the limeted space availible.

Anyway, it is back on the road now and ready to go on vacation next week! It is quiet now, no more screeching when you hit bumps. It also tightened up the steering some. It must have been more loose than I thought to make a difference in the steering.