More leaf spring help

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More leaf spring help

Postby Kaz » Fri Feb 12, 2016 7:00 pm

So I managed to get some new leaf springs with more free open space (arch) but they are rated to much so I de-tuned them down to a 1500# capacity. Question is can I use a grade 8 bolt to replace the factory center bolt? It's just too inconvenient to get to the spring shop but the hardware store is less than a mile away.
Kaz
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Re: More leaf spring help

Postby DrewsBrews » Fri Feb 12, 2016 8:50 pm

The U-bolts/spring plate hold the spring pack together also. I wouldn't worry too much about using a bolt like that, but then again I'm no expert. The head might need to be ground down to clear the spring plate hole, or the hole enlarged.
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Re: More leaf spring help

Postby Redneck Teepee » Fri Feb 12, 2016 11:36 pm

Should not be a problem, all that bolt does is hold/position the leafs correctly as an engineered unit and keeps them from sliding out of position fore or aft in the pack or assembly. Shear strength for a 1/4" grade 8 is in the neighborhood of 80,000 psi and it only goes up from there with larger diameters.
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