M35A2 rear U-Bolt removal

[Elliott Green]

Looking for ideas on the best way to get these old rusted u-bolts removed between the back two axles on a m35a2 pictures attached. Thanks Elliott

 

[Mullaney]

Looking for ideas on the best way to get these old rusted u-bolts removed between the back two axles on a m35a2 pictures attached. Thanks Elliott

.
Well...

A red wrench is more than likely what you need.
Acetylene powered torch.

You can heat the nut on the bottom and throw an impact socket on it (wearing welding gloves) and go to town. Looking at the U-Bolt, it appears that you need to replace them especially in picture #3. Guessing you already know that though...

You will need to support the truck under the trunnion and the axles need their own support as well. Picture from another guy doing the same is below. While you have the springs off, you should also inspect and repack the bearings.

https://www.steelsoldiers.com/attachments/dsc01782-jpg.256085/

Here is a step by step repair that might help you.

preventable rear suspension failure

So a couple weeks ago I was talking to a few coworkers about how the rear suspension worked on the deuce. as we were standing next to the truck I had noticed that my leaf springs were farther away from the frame than they should have been by about a couple inches. I removed the dust cover to...

www.steelsoldiers.com

After the first few posts, this thread fell off the wagon into a pissing contest about greasing the trunnion. Page 5, Post #100 has more useful information. Part numbers and a few more pictures in the Link below to Page 5 & 6 :

preventable rear suspension failure

OK, what if we added this phrase:...."but if you pump in grease normally (by using a REGULAR HAND PUMP) you will get grease coming out the back, without damaging any seals"... Think about this, Rusty: how else would the operator be able to "flush" any old grease out of the inner bearing? Just...

www.steelsoldiers.com

 

[Valley Rock]

Those U-bolts are junk, so an acetylene torch or a cut off wheel is your friend .
Have some new ones made or pay thru the nose for some NOS ones .

IF you are trying to save the nuts (because NOS U-bolts don't come with them) then I reccomend PB Blaster, heat and a good impact, but new ones would be mo betta and considerably less labor intensive .

 

[NDT]

This repair is no fun. After burning off the u bolts from above, I was unable to drive them down and out due to them being completely rusted frozen into the spring seat casting. I ended up buying an entire rear spring assy from someone that was bobbing an A3. Even with those serviceable parts, it was no fun replacing the spring/seat assy onto my existing trunnion. Good luck. Memphis has the ubolts.

 

[Elliott Green]

Those U-bolts are junk, so an acetylene torch or a cut off wheel is your friend .
Have some new ones made or pay thru the nose for some NOS ones .

IF you are trying to save the nuts (because NOS U-bolts don't come with them) then I reccomend PB Blaster, heat and a good impact, but new ones would be mo betta and considerably less labor intensive .

do you know if the rear u bolts have to have the bend In them? I am having to cut the top halo off then heat anddrive them out through the bottom.