Locator pin question

[pdw]

Vehicle: 93 YJ
Suspension: 4.5" R.E. lift

Problem: Both of the axle/leaf spring locator pins on my Dana 30 have been snapped in two. This leaves only a small amount of the locator pin sticking out of the bottom of the axle pad.

Question: Are these things threaded in? Or can I try to grab them with a pair of "Channel Locks" and pull them out?

Thought process: The rear axle locater pins are a simple nut and bolt that hold the springs together. Is the front axle the same? Am I over thinking this???

[GP4Play]

The pins on your front are the same as your rear.They keep your springs together and your axle location to the spring.With your pins broken your axle could move on your springs.Buy new ones,they are just like a bolt,with a round head,and nut.I wouldn't drive it that way though.
Dennis

[pdw]

Dennis,
I understand the locater pins function. Thank you, though - there is no possible way that I could or would try to use the locater pins a second time.

Does anybody know if the ends of these locater pins thread into the plates?

[Jason]

If by locater pin you would also referring to what some call the centering pins, they are not threaded into the spring plate. The head of the pin just rests in the spring plate. I happened to grab a handful that last time I was in one of the auto machine shops. they are not the easiest things to locate.
I've heard some people just go the their local hardware store and replace the pins with bolts. I believe that they would have to grind down the bolt head for everything to fit.

[avjeepfreek]

AKA Spring pack bolts

Just go to your local NAPA store and ask for them. They usualy have them in stock and I think they cost about $4 or $5 a piece. Might want to take one of the busted ones with you to match it up as the head size differs and some of them are longer than others! Grinding the head size down to fit will work if needed and you can always cut the end off after you get them on if they are to long. I just changed mine out because I busted one in the rear, The front's are the same as the rear's! You should also consider changing out the U-Bolts at the same time rather than reusing them. (It's never a good idea to reuse a U-Bolt as they can strech, bend and or strip real easy!) One axle will cost you around $70 or $80 total for the 4 new U-Bolts and 2 Spring pack bolts. (Thats from NAPA) You can shop around and you might find a better price at AutoZone or Kragen. :2:

Scott

[pdw]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I tear into alot of other things on the Jeep without even thinking twice about it, but I was very weary of trying to work those little devils out!

The rear axle simply got a nut and bolt to center up the leaves and both have survived thus far! Hmmmmmm........

[aw12345]

if all the leafs are still lined up just C clamp the spring together loosen the U bolts on onbe side let the axle hang down instAll the new center bolt and make sure yto tighte3n it well same goes for the u bolts. When a center bolt breaks it generally means the U bolts were not tight enough

[sebastian22]

When I got my RE 4.5" springs the center pins had some stupid spacer that needed to be removed. I clamped the springs and removed the pin, then removed the spacer. I went to reinstall the pin and when I barely tightened it down, the threads on the pin stripped. I took one of the pins to Ace Hardware and found some grade 8 bolts with a round/allen head and picked up some new nuts. I tightened then up and then installed the springs.

I believe they were 3/8" dia., don't remember how long.

[pdw]

if all the leafs are still lined up just C clamp the spring together loosen the U bolts on onbe side let the axle hang down instAll the new center bolt and make sure yto tighte3n it well same goes for the u bolts. When a center bolt breaks it generally means the U bolts were not tight enough

You are probably right. I put new U-bolts on the front axle about a year ago......I should have checked the u-bolts on a more consistent basis.

[pdw]

When I got my RE 4.5" springs the center pins had some stupid spacer that needed to be removed. I clamped the springs and removed the pin, then removed the spacer. I went to reinstall the pin and when I barely tightened it down, the threads on the pin stripped. I took one of the pins to Ace Hardware and found some grade 8 bolts with a round/allen head and picked up some new nuts. I tightened then up and then installed the springs.

I believe they were 3/8" dia., don't remember how long.

Yup, I'll be over at Ace Hardware this afternoon! I love that place! They keep it so neat and organized that I am happy to spend my money there!

[Jason]

You would be amazed at the noise the spring pack makes when that little pin breaks. I kept hearing odd noises coming from the rear. The packs were starting to slip side to side. Took the springs off and found both rear pins were broken. Now my spare parts bag has spares.
I do like those allen head bolts. Time to stop at ACE.

[RAT]

I know this is going to be a huge help... Get the coily kind of springs!

[curtis]

I know this is going to be a huge help... Get the coily kind of springs!

You got to love the RAT.

[RAT]

You got to love the RAT.

Sorry man, it's a disease...

[pdw]

I know this is going to be a huge help... Get the coily kind of springs!

Oh!?!?!?!?!? Well, real men wear leaves! Those new-fangled coily things are for sissies!