Spring Hanger Bolts?

[Donovan]

Everyone,

In my desire to replace critical components I am trying to figure out what to do about the spring bracket bolts. My GPA came with two different lengths with the end drilled for castle nuts. I have tried to replace with Grade 8 bolts but the hole for the cotter pin is causing a problem. I just can't seem to drill these holes without breaking bits and with two holes for every bolt this may be very costly (I am using a drill press and carbide bits!). :(

How is everyone dealing with this? I have heard of some one using nylon nuts forgeting the castle nuts. I am not enthusiastic about using the old bolts as some are pitted and some were busted in the removal process.

Any thoughts?

Donovan.

[Jan Roelse]

Hi Donovan,

Maybe the FS MWO G-504 W1 of 7 Jan. 43 can give any help what kind of bolts you can or must use.
I used also in my first GPA Nylock nuts to solve this problem.
You can also screw 2 std. nuts (instead of one) on the bolts (use two wrenches!) and make them tight together. Check these bolts yearly.
A Nylock-nut is sure must easier and....you can forget the drill-job!
To find the small hole in the bolt for the cotter key is also not a nice job.
The very best is o.c. to find the right NOS original bolts.
After 7500 jobs Bolt - hex. head end drilled - part nr. 350775-S7 (3/8" - 24 x 1.19) Early bolts: 5/16" Bolt holes early: .34 (8,63 mm) , late: .40 (10,16 mm)See prints: http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/jj173/G-504/
Good Luck!
Jan

[richardfs]

Hi,
I agree with Jan.

On my first GPA I found many of the hangers were loose where the rubber had compressed. I wanted to be able to easily tighten these as ever thing settled in. For this reason I to uesed Nyloc nuts.

At a casual glance they are not obvious.

Its a difficult decision if you are wanting the vehicle to be very original.

Best regards
Richard

[Donovan]

Jan/Richard,

Thank you for the advice. I still have not decided but I like your idea. I have been told that the nylon will weaken with time. I too have thought how difficult it would be to line up the castle nut notches with the bolt hole.

My gut tells me to go with the nylon in that it does give you ability to tighten later on if needed.

Thanks again for your advice and reasoning,

Donovan.