Bolts for suspension rebuild kits

[gpj]

My 2003 CC DS (no lift) needs some front suspension components replaced, including a bonze bushings for one of the knuckle assemblies and some leaf spring/shock bushings. The cart operates in a high humidity, high salt environment (SW Florida by the Gulf) and I am not confident about getting all of the bolts off without grinding. Should I replace the bolts with grade 8, or will grade 5 be strong enough. Thanks!

[passthru]

I would use grade eight. Not only will the wear and shear strength be increased but you will find they have an increased resistance to corrosion.

[NCPW]

Agreed! Grade 8 is the way to go and use nylon lined nuts when installing for piece of mind.

[jroeiii]

I overhauled the front/rear suspension on a 1996 DS that lived in a high humidity / salt environment it's entire life. The only bolts that gave me trouble were on the rear leaf springs in the front. I ended up cutting them off with a sawzaw thru the rubber bushing. Just be careful cutting next to the frame it is soft aluminum. Turns out the sleeve was rusted to the bolt.

I used stainless bolts cut to length, anti-seize and nylon nuts. It was not cheap replacing all the bolts but I figure do it once and do it right the first time.

[gpj]

Thanks for the tips. Good to know I might have a chance of saving a few of the original bolts.

[gpj]

Originally Posted by jroeiii

I overhauled the front/rear suspension on a 1996 DS that lived in a high humidity / salt environment it's entire life. The only bolts that gave me trouble were on the rear leaf springs in the front. I ended up cutting them off with a sawzaw thru the rubber bushing. Just be careful cutting next to the frame it is soft aluminum. Turns out the sleeve was rusted to the bolt.

I used stainless bolts cut to length, anti-seize and nylon nuts. It was not cheap replacing all the bolts but I figure do it once and do it right the first time.

Sounds like you did a quality rebuild with lots of attention to detail. Did you reuse the bolts you were able to get off without damage? Also, did you replace the bushings in the Knuckle assemblies? On our cart it looks like the bushings are actually loose in the bore. I'm afraid the new bushings may be loose as well.

One last question about your rebuild. Did you use the front suspension rebuild kit sold by a lot of suppliers online? If so, were you satisfied with the quality. My automotive experience leaves me wary of aftermarket quality relative to OEM parts.

Thanks.

[Hunter450]

Can anyone provide the rear leaf spring bolt specs such as Bolt diameter/Length/shoulder length? Mine look pretty bad and I want to find some grade 8 replacement bolts and nuts before I tear my rear suspension down. Thanks!

[pachanga90]

Also,instead of Never-Seize,try Brake Caliper Lube,it is water resistant,as well as corrosion resistant.For pieces that contact aluminum,use Copper Never-Seize,instead of the normal silver stuff.Hope this helps.

[lockman1]

Originally Posted by hunter450

can anyone provide the rear leaf spring bolt specs such as bolt diameter/length/shoulder length? Mine look pretty bad and i want to find some grade 8 replacement bolts and nuts before i tear my rear suspension down. Thanks!

3/8-16 x 3-3/8

[Hunter450]

Originally Posted by lockman1

3/8-16 x 3-3/8

Much appreciate Lock, Thanks!