I'm trying to replace the leaf springs with new springs and a shackle kit.The bolts on the front spring bracket are spinning freely and will not loosen.Please Help!!!
front spring bracket 1969 Camaro
ken brown
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Just went through the EXACT same thing today, installing new multi-leafs in my car. 2 out of 3 bolts on each side were NOT coming out, spinning freely so to speak, we tried all kinds of things and eventually resorted to a cut off wheel and a BFH. WHAT A PAIN IN THE REAR! Took us almost 8 hours to get the job done, new shocks, leaf springs, shackles, traction bars, the whole nine yards. Oh yea, and that brake line that decided to blow up on the way over to the shop!!!! I FEEL YOUR PAIN......
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What was left of the cage nut(s) was surely left behind, since it fought so hard to stay in it's home of 35 years, we figured it would only be fitting to let it rest there in peace..... 
A couple of them did come through the mounting hole with the help of a screwdriver, but I don't think leaving behind what was left of the others is a big concern. A telescoping magnet through one of the other holes in the frame should give enough access to fish it out if you are a real perfectionist, but they obviously didn't get in the way of putting the new ones in, so we just said the heck with it, my knuckles were bloody enough at that point and I was seriously running out of curse words.........
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A couple of them did come through the mounting hole with the help of a screwdriver, but I don't think leaving behind what was left of the others is a big concern. A telescoping magnet through one of the other holes in the frame should give enough access to fish it out if you are a real perfectionist, but they obviously didn't get in the way of putting the new ones in, so we just said the heck with it, my knuckles were bloody enough at that point and I was seriously running out of curse words.........
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1,974 Posts
Use a flexable magnet. If you have to use a mirror and a flashlight to find out where the pieces are. If you leave it in there, you will hear strange noises of the pieces rattling around in there. Depending on how big a piece it is.
I just went through this process too. It took me a total of 15 hours to do the spring swap. All 3 clips broke on the driver's side. I used a sawzall, drill and hack saw to cut the bolts up to remove the spring. Then I spent 3+ hours getting the old clips and bolt pieces out. I just didn't want to leave them in there. Good luck.
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
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