The strongest bolt

I am replacing the rear spring front shackle, and would like to know where I can get the strongest bolts possible.

If you can't get the bolts from a spring shop, I have always had good luck w/Grade 8 bolts when using them for spring bolts...joe

DO NOT forget to use the proper thread length...do not use a bolt
that is threaded all the way down the bolt.....the load should be on the smooth part of the bolt shank....not across a thread.

I've had good luck with 'Cat' bolts,,you should be able to obtain them from any Caterpiller dealer

I use g8 Cat bolts for everything. Inexpensive and the quality is unsurpassed. Use a bolt that the grip length is as long as the width of the outside of the shakle or as close as you can get. if slightly long, use hardened SAE washers to make up the difference, but no more than 2. One under the head and one under the self locking nut. Don't use the nuts with the plastic insert, but rather the ones with the deformed thread. All are available from Cat

Roger on the Grade 8 bolts. I have a John Deere farm store near where I live and they have bins of every conceivable size from 1/4" to 1" in Grade 8. Reasonably priced too - I guess those farmers working on their tractors know something about strength and durability.

I also like Grade 8 stainless steel fasteners. They are not as plentiful (and certainly more expensive) but can be polished like chrome if you've got a place to show it off. I've used a lot of them on Harley's over the years.

As a side note - I'm always on the alert for small hardware or similar stores when I'm on any kind of road trip. Their a great place to find neat stuff you can use later. I once came across a small "General Store" on the Washington coast. The lady had just bought the business and was going to turn the place into an "antique boutique" store to cater to the tourist crowd. I bought her entire stock of stainless for $100 dollars on the spot. Nearly twenty years ago and while the 1/4", 3/8" and 5/16" are pretty much gone, I'm still drawing down some of the big sizes..

Regards All,
Glenn