2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission can't get shackle off

[DMather]

Is there some secret incantation to getting the lower shackle bolt out?
The shackle has rusted through but I can't get it off. The bolt turns, but does not move. Used a gear puller and got it to move an inch. Used a 10 lb sledge and the bolt is even with bracket but I can not get it to move more.

I'm open to ideas.

 

[BarryG]

I just went through this exact thing and tried everything I could think of and ended up using a cutting torch well a local shop/friend did it for me as I have no torch. The dealer had the shackle for a very reasonable price.

 

[mwilson]

The mighty red wrench.

Or if you have the patience of a saint you may get it by using LIBERAL doses of PB Blaster and spinning it with an air wrench to create some heat. And then swat it with the hammer. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat...........when you see the rust start to ooze out along with the PB Blaster you are starting to make progress.

A lifetime worth of dealing with crap like that justifies the annual tank rental on my torch set.

Mike.

 

[DMather]

Crud, I was afraid the flame wrench might be the answer.

I have plasma cutting to 1/4", MIG and TIG but I let the oxy/acetylene tanks run dry years ago. Nuts!

 

[mwilson]

Sitting here pondering your predicament.....

From your other posts I am assume that the body is still off, right??? If so you have plenty of room in which to work. How about a ball joint press and some home brewed adapters?? A small deep socket that you could put in harm's way would keep you in contact with the threaded end.

Load it up and swat it just like a ball joint. I got home in the dark and left in the dark so I did not look mine over to see if that might work.

 

[tripl-e]

Used a gear puller and got it to move an inch. Used a 10 lb sledge and the bolt is even with bracket but I can not get it to move more.

I'm open to ideas.

You got it to move 1"? If you got it to move at all then you've already won the battle. Soak it with penetrant and drive it back where it came from. Then soak it again and drive it back the other way. Back and forth till all the rust in the bushing sleeve is broken down and you can use a drift to drive the bolt all the way out.

 

[AEdelheit]

A long barrel air hammer with a long pointed tip should make quick work of it!

 

[mwilson]

A long barrel air hammer with a long pointed tip should make quick work of it!

That's a good idea, those will do some pretty amazing stuff.

Mike.

 

[DMather]

They are off.
Air grinder with cutoff wheel.

Do they look like they needed replacing?

 

[mwilson]

You didn't waste any money buying new ones for sure......

Mike.

 

[fest3er]

They are off.
Air grinder with cutoff wheel.

Do they look like they needed replacing?

Nah. That rust'll buff right out.

 

[caper]

Had same problem with same bolt , cut it out with mini grinder , don't even bother using sawzall it will take a lot of blades to do it .Those bolts are tough steel
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[caper]

Doing a rear end refurbish on the grail

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