CJ7 Pivot Bolt & shock Removal - Advice

[bluecj7]

I am in the process of replacing the leaf springs on an 79 CJ7 . Actually, we're putting a 2 1/2 inch lift kit on this jeep.

The front leaf springs and shocks came off fairly easily.

However, the rear pivot bolts seem to be "a bear to remove" - any suggestions. I have soaked 'em in penetrating / spray oil. I have tried "tapping 'em" fairly hard with a hammer" to drive 'em out of the brackets. I plan to let 'em soak with spray on oil overnight. Any advice?

Also - whats the best technique to loosen the top bolts on the rear shocks???

Thanks for any suggestions

 

[LongHorn]

I am in the process of replacing the leaf springs on an 79 CJ7 . Actually, we're putting a 2 1/2 inch lift kit on this jeep.

The front leaf springs and shocks came off fairly easily.

However, the rear pivot bolts seem to be "a bear to remove" - any suggestions. I have soaked 'em in penetrating / spray oil. I have tried "tapping 'em" fairly hard with a hammer" to drive 'em out of the brackets. I plan to let 'em soak with spray on oil overnight. Any advice?

Also - whats the best technique to loosen the top bolts on the rear shocks???

Thanks for any suggestions

I use some stuff called "Yeild" that works real well.
The there is always the "Smoke Wrench".
you didn't really want to keep those crappy stockers with you pretty new springs did ya.

 

[Old Dog]

All thoes bolts get rusted in there pretty good after 30 years.
The only thing to do is get a BFH, you should put new bolts in anyway.

 

[TDHofstetter]

One thing you can do with those pivot bolts is to reach up between the pivot hangers & the springs with a SawzAll and saw through the bolts & bushing tubes together. That'll get 'em out for sure. It's a PITCH to do, though; there's not any lot of room for the SawzAll. If you take that approach, use about a 10tpi blade and run the SawzAll at low speed.

 

[bluecj7]

Wow

Y'all were correct!

To remove the rear leaf springs...

I used the sawzall between the spring and the bracket - as suggested.

I made a cut on each side of the spring (two cuts). The old rubber bushing (inside the old spring) got hot & smoked up the garage - but, more imporantly the saw blade went thru the pivot bolt.

The 3/4 in bolts on the top of the shocks broke loose fairly easily. I had the temporarily re-locate the brake lines to remove & install the driver's side - rear shock.

THANKS FOR THE HELP - Happy Jeepin'!!!!!