Removing 58 Apache rear leaf springs

[58SkuzBukit]

I've done several searches, and have answered many on my questions on my own. However, I'm unable to find out if I'm able to remove the front pivot pin with the bed on.

Is this possible, or am I asking too much? I can't seem to bang out the lock pin either. The nuts on those are loose, but a cant get them to budge.

I'm trying to flip the axle to the top of springs to lower it. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Curly5759]

When I pulled the rear springs on my 59 1/2 ton, I did not remove the bed. That included new bushings, shackles, pivot pin,etc.

Curly

[mr48chev]

Once you remove the tapered pin bolt you should be able to drive it out with a pin punch.

A bolt a bit smaller than the pin should work for that though. An old long small block head bolt would be just about right. And a serious hammer.

[58SkuzBukit]

Ok then, sounds like I need to use a bigger hammer! Let you know how it goes in the am....

[mr48chev]

I've got a 2-1/2 lb machinist's hammer that is my go to hammer for things like that. I bought it off a tool truck when I first started working in shops in the early 70's and it still gets used all the time

[1958Warrior]

When you say the nuts are loose on the lock pins .... I think you are trying to remove the leaf spring bushing bolts, from the eye on the spring.

http://www.autozone.com/parts/suspen...65_10195_1685/


Pictures help out a lot , check out this thread :
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...98#post7019098

to remove the locking pin loosen the nut to the end of the threads without removing it .
If you have a piece of brass or aluminum place it on the nut so not to deform the threads and give it a good few wacks and it should come right out ( spraying it with some penetrating oil would help to)

this is what it looks like ,its tapered so once it starts to move it should come out pretty easy:

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/mor...nid=443&jpid=0

Once you get the locking pin/bolt out , you will need to drive the pivot pin out from the back side a little to grab it and PULL it out , if you drive it in it will hit the frame .

[mr48chev]

Good idea there as the locking pins are spendy if you buy them separately from the truck trinket vendors.

Some PB Blaster or other industrial grade rust pent-entrant doesn't hurt either. Thinking on it I helped a friend do his about 40 years ago when he put new pins and bushings in the springs. Got paid in Budwiser on that one.

[1958Warrior]

they're 1.57 probably for the pair , I love rockauto

But better if can reuse what you got.

[58SkuzBukit]

Success, well partially. Got the lock pins out of the front eyelets of the rear, and the leafs completely free of the shackles in the back. All without messing anything up.

How do I separate the front of the rear leafs? There doesn't see to be enough room to bang them out in either direction.

[1958Warrior]

????"How do I separate the front of the rear leafs? There doesn't see to be enough room to bang them out in either direction".????

No banging out to the side.After you pull the Pivot bolt ( the one with the grease Zert on it) it should drop out .

Once you get the locking pin/bolt out , you will need to drive the pivot pin out from the back side a little to grab it and PULL it out , if you drive it in it will hit the frame .

Look at pic in this thread:
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...ight=kroil+oil

[58SkuzBukit]

I guess I've been trying to be last and leave the side step on. I'm removing them now in order to get the clearance needed to hammer the pivot pins out of the frame

[1958Warrior]

I used a long punch and had to place it at an angle against the frame and drive it out from the backside, some have had success grabbing the grease zert and pulling on it , depends how long ago they saw fresh grease, with that said might try to pump a little fresh grease in also.

[58SkuzBukit]

Thanks. I'm the process of cutting the last few of these rusty nubs on the stepsides.

[58SkuzBukit]

Finally got it all off, axle over springs, and buttoning it all back up. Dem damn pivot pins are a PITA!!!

The springs now seem to not want to "stretch" back to their mounting points though. It got the pivot pin/locking pins back in, but trying to get the shackles back right are giving my a bit of a fit. It's been a day, I'll try at it again when I have time and a fresh mind.

[1958Warrior]

Good to hear.

Here is a good thread on flipping the rear , from No Limits:

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=442586