So a newbie needs help. I have a 1950 Styleline and a few weeks back I snapped the center bolt on my driver side leaf spring. I replaced it with what I thought was a hardened steel bolt. That one snapped. I figured I did something wrong, didn't tighten it enough and it worked its way loose and the leaves sheared it. So I replaced it again and it snapped again. Then going about 55 the p***engerside snaps. Any ideas? I can't figure what I'm doing wrong? Have you guys ever heard of this? Thanks.
Are the ubolts tight? Are they rusted and feel like they are tight but still allowing the driff to move. Something is wrong
get grade 8 bolts or better to start with,use some lock***e & lock washers,thats just my thoughts but i'm sure a CHEVY person will stop in & set ya right..good luck------chuck
If the u-bolts are tight, this really shouldn't happen. Like Brickster says, I'd be checking the u-bolts. Dave
Are the clips that hold the leaves aligned in place? If the spring pack has been loose,there is **** between the leaves preventing the U bolts from really clamping the spring together properly. Strip it and clean it. Use a proper spring center bolt that will locate the spring correctly.
Use allen head cap bolts. The round head works well to align the spring plate, and they are hardened correctly for spring packs. Make darn sure the U bolts are tight too!
I just use grade 8 bolts you can get at most hardware stores, making sure they are the correct size and a little longer than needed, then tighten them up, and cut the excess off. I buy hex-head bolts and grind the heads until they are round. While you've got the springs apart use a wire brush and angle grinder and clean all the surface rust off the springs, and make sure there are no wear ridges (you can grind these smooth if they are not too deep). If you really want to smooth and quiet the ride get some poly liner from Chev's of the 40's and place between the leaves. Make sure to clean any surface rust from the mounting pads on the axle too.
I worked in a spring shop for 39 years..In my experience I would say that your U-bolts are not tight.If you have had it apart several times,I would definately replace all 4 U bolts. They aren't that expensive, and any spring shop should be able to make them to your specs while you wait.
If it still has to touque tube rearend the bolt u bolts are more square and short,Thoes bolts must be realy tight,and the bottom plate could it be on wrong.The center bolt is more for location.
As has been said, if the u-bolts are tight here's not much going on at the center bolt. But, the center bolt is a high strength bolt.
Loose U-bolts would be my first choice to check, Q. how much ( lowering ) block are you running? Your torque tube might be binding and shearing the head off your bolts. That said, dont run more then 3 inches of block, if you need it lower remove 1 or 2 springs. Grade 8 bolts will do fine, and replace and tighten the U-bolts. MrC.
Thanks guys. The u bolts are rusty and a little worn but seemed tight. I'm running stock height on it but I want to lower it so I'll be changing out the bolts then. In the meantime it's time to break out the 1/2 inch ratchet and crank em down...
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