Can't find a replacement bolt.

[moparmaniac59]

Well after almost completing my front steering/suspension upgrades, I am finding that 1 solitary bolt has me all stop. There are (2)  5/8"-18unf x 2&1/2" grade 8 bolts that bolt the lower ball joint to the wheel spindle (front disc brakes). I stripped one while removing it and need a replacement. It has a castle nut and gets drilled for a cotter pin. I've been to Pep Boys, Advance Auto, a hydraulic specialty shop, Lowes and looked on several on-line sites such as Summit & Jegs for such things as "spindle bolts, wheel spindle bolts, steering bolts, lower ball joint bolts, steering knuckle bolts"......all with no luck. Jims Auto Parts doesn't have them either! What the heck are these animals called (correct terminology) and should I just try and special order a grade 8, 5/8"-18unf bolt from a fastener supply warehouse? I thought Dorman made these? Puzzled?? 

                                                                                 Matt B.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

It will be tough to find a drilled grade 8 bolt, you may have to drill it yourself. I assume the castle nut can be found?

If all else fails, I wouldn't hesitate in using a mechanical locknut.

[moparmaniac59]

Drilling it isn't the problem. It's just finding the bolt. Guess I'll try the local fastener store. I found the bolt made by Dorman, but it comes in a 10 pack & I only need (1) one! 

[EbodyMod]

look for a company called fastenal

[roadman5312]

                https://www.boltdepot.com/Hex_bolts_Zinc_plated_grade_8_steel_yellow_5_8-18.aspx

[moparmaniac59]

I am surprised you can order just 1 (one). I have found most suppliers have a minimum order $25 dollar order. I'll keep them in mind if I can't get it locally tomorrow! 




                                                                               Matt B.

[Bullitt-]

Do you have a Tractor Supply nearby?   They have a decent hardware selection..

[1 Wild R/T]

Actually those bolts are special, they have low profile heads... Later model vehicles used a similar bolt but no cotter key, instead they went with a distorted thread style  lock nut... I actually prefer those because with the cotter pin design it always seems the flat that lines up with the cotter pin is either a little to loose or way to tight....

[moparmaniac59]

Found the grade 8 bolts (5/8"-18 NF) at a Ma & Pa hardware store that sells a huge variety of fasteners of various materials/grades. All of these places locally have closed to be replaced by the big box stores that don't carry this kind of material that back in the day was available at every full service auto parts store. Fortunately we have a huge naval base here and have several outlets that sell fasteners (exclusively) mostly to the navy, but also the general public. It's a shame that the local auto parts stores don't carry this stuff anymore. 

                                                                     Matt B.

[Katfish]

Contact this guy on Moparts, he'll send you 1

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/users/673.html