got my new shackles in the mail today. Went to go install them and ran into a problem...I was able to get both top and bottom nuts off, however I cannot get the bolts out. Any ideas? Im guessing a hammer? or maybe a clamp??? This is a real pita

 

i think i may go to the torch next

 

what i did was get a breaker bar and then heat up the bolt and turn it...did this for awhile. also a good beating wouldnt hurt. the bushings are gonna be fun as well.
for the bushing you can try to burn them out...
WATCH THE HEAT BY FUEL LINES!!!
or you fan try a hammer and a screwdriver and chip away at them...no easy way of doing the job. if the metal shell wont come out...i use a hacksaw blade to make a single cut in the shell and then collapse it.

good luck...def one of the bigger P.I.T.A jobs.

 

gave up for the night. Freezing and covered in snow....Im goin at it tomorrow!

 

but this time im building a fire next to where i work! lol

 

You should be done by monday

 

i have had to work in the snow under my ride before. i build a berm of snow all around the perimeter like a little fort. cuts the wind down alot and helps with the chill...also great if you fin yourself in need of a snow fort.

 

Thread the nut on the bolt just enough it won't fall off and beat the living snot out of it. Soaking it in your oil of choice helps (I like kroil). Putting the nut on keeps from boogering up the threads so you can reuse the bolt. I'd be careful with heating it unless you plan on replacing the bushings. If you plan on it the heat away but you'll still have to hammer it out. The problem you having there is a steel sleeve the bolt goes in that's in the center of the rubber bushing. That sleeve and the bolt rust together causeing the sleeve to spin but won't allow the bolt to come out.

 

a ball joint press will pop those babies out no problem...

 

Now that I own one that's the only way to do it. Not everybody is as well stocked with tools. When their DD/only ride is tore down sitting in the yard at a stuck point suggesting a tool they don't have and can't go get is like pouring salt in an open wound.