Leaf spring centre pins

[DUDELUX]

I just got some IFS rear leaf springs, I removed the bottom leaf from each pack, and Im wondering something.
Can I use a hi-tensile bolt and nyloc nut in place of the centre pin??
The reason Im asking is the pins have round heads, which makes it very difficult to try and get the nut really tight, I managed to get one of the packs centre pins tight, but the other pack still is loose, and I was thinking that I could use hi-tensile bolts, flat washers and nyloc nuts.
But dont want to do anything until I ask here.
So, can I put in bolts/nuts or just get new centre pins??

Thanks

[Willy Hilux]

You can use a socket headed bolt if ya want. Won't need to go a nyloc nut as the spring pack is holding tension on the bolt and nut.
I've done this before and worked. You are better of going with UNF thread to get the strength.

I would just go to a spring works place and buy a couple and grab some spares as sometimes they do break. They are pretty cheap anyway.

[yamaha__308]

I've done this before too, when I broke one. I had to round off the hex head to get it to fit inside the perch hole though.
I use vise grips to hold the round head to get it tight enough.

[Gordy Lux]

i have done the same to the rear of mine but when you use washers the springs don't sit flat on the axle perch.
or you can put the springs in without Bump stops then the u bolts tightens then you can tighten the center bolt

[CV Smasher]

You can use the origional pins, to get them tight grip the round end with vice grips and then you will be able to tighten them.

[gameoverinc]

Im with Vise grips and tighten the hell out of that bitch but not the market ones that the old man buys at the markets lol worse comes to worse new center pins are cheap and easy to get at dobsins or places like that???

[RDM]

Mate, I used hex head bolts on my 4Runner, I got them from the tool suppliers in Gavenlock Rd Tuggerah, on the corner pretty much opposite O'briens Glass, the guy in there is very helpful, sorry don't remember the name of the shop, you can't miss it though, on the right as you drive around the corner.

Bob.

[DUDELUX]

Thanks guys.
Bob, you mean Fast-Serv?? I was in there 2 days ago getting new nylocs nuts for the greasable shackle bolts.

[RAY185]

Use propper spring bolts (with the round heads) and as said, vice grips are your friend. Don't try and use the old ones, they do stretch. You are supposed to replace the bolts everytime you dismantle the spring pack. The propper bolts have a raised head to correctly seat in the spring perch. A normal hex head bolt will not have enough meat on the head for this.

Any spring works will carry the bolts in stock. You may have to cut the threads down after assembly if you can't get exactly the right length as stock. By all means use a hex head if you're stuck with a broken one out bush, otherwise, use the right ones when you can. They are under $5 each with nuts.

[Weiner]

I just used the rattle gun on mine, didn't need vice grips

[DUDELUX]

Weiner, the problem is that the round head turns as I try to tighten the nut.
Raymond, thankyou for the info.
I dont have a set of vice grips in my tool box, I will buy some tomorrow when Im out getting some new centre pins.
Thankyou everyone for youre help.