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Dropping the rear axle, help!

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RyanBez

Jedi Hopeful
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So I'm trying to drop the rear axle but I'm having some troubles. The Haynes book doesn't really tell much for the 1/4 style suspension. I have unbolted everything that looks like it is holding it up, I have the diff held up by a jack.

I am having trouble getting the bolt the holds the spring to axle, I have no idea how I am going to get it out without ruining something, what I am doing wrong?

1h0nx.jpg
 
It is very common for the spring shackle bot to become rusted to the sheet metal. In addition, once you take out all the bolts which hold the spring in, it is very easy for the spring to be jammed with the bolt. I would try retaching the forward spring ends (both sides), soaking the bolt with pb Blaster, or such, then putting the nut back on the bolt, application of heat, and drive the bolt out.
Good luck.
Scott in CA.
BTW: replacing the springs in my BE (did this job twice) was one of my least favorite tasks. Very tricky to get everything lined up.
 
I did this yesterday and used the same technique Scott did. I got lucky and with a few taps the bolt came out. If you plan on reusing the same nut i would use one you can pound on to save the original. I have my car on its side on a rotisserie and that makes it much easier to get to.
Good luck, Rut
 
There is a metal sleeve in the bushing at that end of the spring, so the sleeve and the bolt are likely rusted together. If it doesn't want to budge, you need some good penetrating oil (like PB Blaster), some patience and some heat. Don't pound directly on the threaded end either. Thread the nut back on just shy of flush and use a piece of soft metal or a hard block of wood between your hammer and the nut. I round punch of a slightly smaller diameter will be useful, especially after you get it to move. Even if you plan to replace the bolt, if you mushroom out the threaded end, you'll have another obstacle on your hands.
 
An pneumatic hammer works well to break this bolt loose. But Gerard's advice is spot on.
 
Yeah, I know all the age ol' tricks, I ended up just dropping the rear axle with the spring still attached (the other side came out like a charm). I'll work some more on getting it out tomorrow. If all else fails I'll just drill it out, I'm replacing the springs what is one more bolt!
 
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