The pin/bolt the goes into the center of a leaf spring. Something special, or just a good quailty bolt? I'd like to remove the overload leaf from mine, but the nut won't come free, just turns the pin. I want to ask before I cut it off.
The pin/bolt the goes into the center of a leaf spring. Something special, or just a good quailty bolt? I'd like to remove the overload leaf from mine, but the nut won't come free, just turns the pin. I want to ask before I cut it off.
I've machined my own from mild steel when doing a unique leaf pack.
I've both seen and used Allen head cap screws.
I don't think it needs to be immensely ferocious metallurgy - if the bolt is going to break, it has a lot of support in shear by the u-bolts, but I have seen the bolts partially and sometimes completely sheared.
I think it's mostly there to locate the axle during assembly, the clamping load of the U bolts is what should be holding things in place.
An allen bolt will work fine. I've done it with no issues at all.
You can get a universal from your Flaps nearby in the help! section.
BrokenYugo wrote: I think it's mostly there to locate the axle during assembly, the clamping load of the U bolts is what should be holding things in place.
This
You can buy them cheap as stated above. I wouldnt bother with making one. They are usually extra long to fit any spring thickness, just cut off the excess.
We used grade 8 bolts on the springs in the challenge car. Made the heads round on a bench grinder.
looks like no worries then. Thanks!
The allen cap screws from home derpot are likely way stronger than the center pins i bought. The only difference being the pins were fine thread and the regular store ones are coarse thread.
chandlerGTi wrote:BrokenYugo wrote: I think it's mostly there to locate the axle during assembly, the clamping load of the U bolts is what should be holding things in place.This
You guys wouldn't say this if you had ever had the head break off one. They move quite a lot.
My warlock had both missing, I put a new Dana in with new leafs and all and never noticed a difference. It was OK horsepower in a short wheel base light weight vehicle.
Dorman makes and sells them
Always use a proper center bolt. It has an extended head that fits into a hole in the mounting plate that locates the axle.
You might want to take a look at the post I started on odd tire wear. As long as the head fits snugly in the axle you're fine if not you'll get movement under higher g loads. Of course I doubt one would notice on a street car.
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