Broken Front Spring Hanger
 

'71 GMC Jimmy K/1500 -- 350/SM465/NP205/3.73 12-Bolt Posi.
The forward Drivers Side Spring Hanger is broken in a few places, cracked and the rivet holes are busting out. One rivet is loose.
I have a hell of a wobble over 25 MPH, so I can't drive it. I think the Power Steering muscles it around.
I also have a '72 parts Blazer tub. The Hanger assembly looks OK, but it looks like there are 8 3/8" iron rivets holding it on the frame. How do I get it loose to R&R onto the Jimmy?

Re: Broken Front Spring Hanger
 

You're going to have to grind/cut/drill the rivets to remove the spring hangers, then use grade 8 bolts to reinstall the good spring hanger on your Jimmy.

Re: Broken Front Spring Hanger
 

Does it have to come off as a whole unit, or can I separate the lower part with the spring hanger from the upper part with the body cushion to the bottom radiator wall?

Re: Broken Front Spring Hanger
 

You should be able to separate the lower bracket from the upper part that holds the radiator support. I looked at mine and it looks like there's just two rivets attaching the upper & lower brackets.

Re: Broken Front Spring Hanger
 

Yeah, I see now. I'd rather not mess with the radiator.
The PO had tack-welded the spring hanger onto the frame. The dog-eared rivet holes are parted from the bracket. I see I'm gonna have some big grinder fun.
Just to make life more interesting, the Stepside's battery burned out after only 6 years (!), so I had to cannibalize the Jimmy's battery just to have one good work truck.:waah:
Pix below.
Top shot is donor '72 K/5.
I notice LMC offered [in the '05 catalog] a Spring Hanger Front, LH, P/N: 34-1340 for the '73-'91 series. How close is that part to a '69-'72 K/5's Spring Hanger?
Thanks for your advice.