55.2-59 Front LH rear spring hanger loose - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**MJN** · 08-24-2020, 11:01 AM

So, pulled the front spring packs out of my '56 3600 the other day and found the rear hanger on the LH side is loose. The rivets and hanger move as one piece on the frame rail- guessing the holes in the frame have become oversize. Trying to determine what my options here are to fix this. Grade 8 bolts with loctite and prevailing torque locknuts or find a place that can replace the rivets. Has anyone had issues using bolts?

**joedoh** · 08-24-2020, 01:08 PM

bolts can work but you will need to drill the frame hole and rivet hole exactly to the size of the bolt, going slightly oversize or by using a bushing. if you dont, clamping force will hold it in place for a while and the process will start again of the suspension impacts ovaling the holes in the frame. you want 0 movement in the frame or hanger hole.

mr48chev · 08-24-2020, 06:21 PM

The only thing I can add to what Joedoh said was that it would be best but most likely not easily done to have bolts with solid shanks that were the correct length to go though those drilled holes so that you didn't have threads against the hanger or frame rail. That would make for a more solid connection in the long run.

_Ogre · 08-26-2020, 03:51 PM

unless you disassemble the bracket from the frame and find a disaster, new bolts will be fine
i believe the hangar has 2 side bolts and 2 bottom flange bolts, even if the holes are wallowed a bit it's good
2 bolts in each direction keep the bracket from movement in either direction, washers will help spread the load
no need for grade 8 bolts, grade 5 is fine and actually have a bit more give that you need for this application
i don't believe any vehicle has or needs grade 8 anywhere, even the motor bolts are grade 3 at best

Black_Sheep · 08-26-2020, 10:33 PM

I recommend Grade 8 flange head frame bolts and nuts, you can drill the holes a step oversize if they are wallowed out.

08-24-2020, 11:01 AM	#1
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 2,967	Front LH rear spring hanger loose So, pulled the front spring packs out of my '56 3600 the other day and found the rear hanger on the LH side is loose. The rivets and hanger move as one piece on the frame rail- guessing the holes in the frame have become oversize. Trying to determine what my options here are to fix this. Grade 8 bolts with loctite and prevailing torque locknuts or find a place that can replace the rivets. Has anyone had issues using bolts? __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com

08-24-2020, 01:08 PM	#2
joedoh Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Doodah Kansas Posts: 7,747	Re: Front LH rear spring hanger loose bolts can work but you will need to drill the frame hole and rivet hole exactly to the size of the bolt, going slightly oversize or by using a bushing. if you dont, clamping force will hold it in place for a while and the process will start again of the suspension impacts ovaling the holes in the frame. you want 0 movement in the frame or hanger hole. __________________ the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation if there is a problem, I can have it. new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393

08-24-2020, 06:21 PM	#3
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,314	Re: Front LH rear spring hanger loose The only thing I can add to what Joedoh said was that it would be best but most likely not easily done to have bolts with solid shanks that were the correct length to go though those drilled holes so that you didn't have threads against the hanger or frame rail. That would make for a more solid connection in the long run. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

08-26-2020, 03:51 PM	#4
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,677	Re: Front LH rear spring hanger loose unless you disassemble the bracket from the frame and find a disaster, new bolts will be fine i believe the hangar has 2 side bolts and 2 bottom flange bolts, even if the holes are wallowed a bit it's good 2 bolts in each direction keep the bracket from movement in either direction, washers will help spread the load no need for grade 8 bolts, grade 5 is fine and actually have a bit more give that you need for this application i don't believe any vehicle has or needs grade 8 anywhere, even the motor bolts are grade 3 at best __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

08-26-2020, 10:33 PM	#5
Black_Sheep Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: upper midwest Posts: 1,129	Re: Front LH rear spring hanger loose I recommend Grade 8 flange head frame bolts and nuts, you can drill the holes a step oversize if they are wallowed out. Attached Images __________________ Mark Brother's keeper - '58 Stepside build



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