Trailing arm hardware issues

[KingTriEye]

Hey all,

Ive searched high and low for this answer but haven't seen anything. I know I'll need to cut out the old bolts most likely, but as far as new hardware, the set i bought (Vollig) came with it. However, the hardware (bolts) were larger than the existing bracket holes. I then went and bought a set from AutoZone and while it did not come with hardware the bushings fitting was the same as the set i already had.

Has anyone else seen this? Did you have to drill to have a larger hold for the bolts? Did you just go out and buy smaller bolts? Would smaller bolts ware prematurely by allowing the arms to move about?

any insight would be great.

 

[Bowesmobile]

Drill the holes larger. In 1997 and 1998 they used a 14mm bolt for the suspension joints. In 1999 and on they went to a 16mm bolt.

 

[98eb5.4]

i think 98 depends when built

 

[Bowesmobile]

i think 98 depends when built

Probably does but I dont know the cut off date.

 

[mr49erguy]

I have a 1998 EB 5.4 and removed and replaced the old rusted upper and lower trailing arms on mine about 5 months ago. While this was not a terribly fun job, I did not have any problems with the bolt size. Of all the bolts, only one really caused a lot of issue and that was the one on the drivers side lower trailing arm. One of the bolts butts right up into a notch in the fuel tank. I was kind of luck and was able to pull this one out without cutting it, but it took a lot more twisting/torquing than I would recommend anyone else employ.

Ultimately cleaning up and re-using the old bolts with the new Vollig arms worked great for me. No problems with them fitting. If I recall correctly they were 14mm heads.

 

[98eb5.4]

i have the bigger bolts build date 3/98

 

[jacks3am]

That job sucked, i used the same arms on mine. You may need a come a long to get the axle into position for the new arms. I ended up just running the bigger bolts in with an impact and the thread damage wasnt bad, but drilling out is a better option. I was dissapointed about the unforseen hardware differences for different years lol

 

[KingTriEye]

Well look like I'll have to plan a fun weekend real soon before the New England weather gets too cold. Ford said they would do it using my parts. Anyone have experience with that?

 

[98eb5.4]

prob mostly doesn't matter much the parts used, if at all, as far as the work involved,

dunno how much ford charges to go there but usually not the first choice as far as labor charges go, or usually not hard to find a way better deal for the same work

 

[mr49erguy]

If you have a compressor and impact tools, I would say go for this job yourself. The job is mostly straightforward except getting to one bolt. Spray some penetrating oil on the bolts before you start and pull the old upper and lower arms out. While you're there it may be worth replacing your rear shocks if yours is no longer using the air ride system. This was the case with mine and it was easy while the arms were out. Then put the new upper and lower trailing arms in. 3 of the 4 went in without a problem in my case, but did require a come-a-long for one. All in all it was about 4 hours with breaks, but not a terrible job. I've recently done several more challenging jobs that make me really appreciate this one.