Stubborn leaf spring bolt

Help. I'm replacing my leaf springs and everything is disconnected but I can't tap out the front eye bolt. The bolt turns (with resistance) when I have a ratchet on it, but there is no room to tap it out from the threaded side. It is definitely captured in the rubber and I can't push it out either. I need some suggestions please

 

Ok still trying stuff and nothing is working at all.

 

Did you try turning the bolt while applying pressure on the other end with a pry bar? U-bolts are out, right? Did you support the spring and move it around to find a position where its not binding on the eye bolt?

 

Did you get the nut off?

 

Nut is off, leafs not binding, ubolts out, tried prying while backing bolt out. No success.

 

Might have to get a sawzall and cut the bolt on each side of the leaf spring. Done that before. When you put it back together, use lots of antiseize.

 

Sawzall?! Ugh....can't I just WISH it out?

 

LOL, you can try but the sawzall will be much quicker. There is a steel bushing in the rubber and once the bolt rusts to the bushing, they become one for life.

 

So cut the bolt in between the frame rail and leaf spring, and also in between the outer bracket and leaf spring? Can I even get those bolts new to replace the cut ones?

 

Most good hardware stores will have those size bolts in grade 8

 

Yep....time for the Sawzall. I have had to do it many a time to a Maverick.

 

I had to cut mine off as well. Bolt was siezed inside the bushing sleeve.

 

Time to call the rental equipment place. Don't own a sawzall.

 

You can buy those bolts from Mustang suppliers, they have lock nuts on them also.

 

You can buy one pretty cheap from Harbor Freight.