I was wondering, would it be possible to remove the bolt that holds the hotchkis 2.5" lowering springs together and replace it with a flat head bolt? I was hoping this would eliminate the problem with mono leaf perch's. some of the spring material would have to be ground away but not too much I dont think? just enough to recess the bolt. If anyone has done this or if they think it would work please let me know thanks to all...J

Why do you want to use a different bolt?

I put a 3/8 "filler" plate with a locating hole in the perch. I "think" you can also carefully drill a hole in the perch without hurting the axle tube as well.
Do a search on this one, lots of info.

I want to use a different bolt because the head of the original rocks in the perch of the 67 rear. I have already had the rear rebuilt and powder coated so I hate to have to mes up the nice finish by welding in some new perches!

You really want to keep the pin as it will positively locate the housing on the springs. Use a Bullet drill to make a hole in the center of the bracket for the locating pin. The Bullet drill has a flat end so you won't put a hole in the axle housing. If it still rocks, grind a little off the end of the pin.

Sure you can!!

I have if I remember right, 5/16" carriage bolts there that I ground the squares off under the heads and then rethreaded longer.

I just inserted them, tightened them down and whacked h-ll outta each a couple of times to set them tighter to the main leaf's!

Works fine!!

pdq67

Thanks guys...J

Most carriage bolts are as soft as they can be, grade "0". You need grade 8 hardware for suspension.
Just make up a spacer plate, 1/4" thick or so, then grind the head down to fit if it's still too tall. The spacer plate is avaiable from Hotchkis if you want to buy one. You don't have to weld it in, the lower plate will do the centering, same as it did with the mono-leaf.

Hey david pozzi, I was wondering? What if you tapped the leaf that would normally have the head of the bolt and thread a stud from the other side. That way there would be no need for a spacer plate and you could still have the stud stick out at the bottom to locate the spring! I am not sure if this would work but it seems like it would please respond thanks...J