patmac6075

iTrader: (26)

Changing out my rear shocks & Spring (Intrax & Tokico Blue).

I had to cut the bottom bolt off one side (figured I'd replace them both now).

Question is: Can I use just any old nut & bolt combination (obviously they'd need to be the same size and length)? I was headed over to Sears Hardware (They have the best selection around here), but the original bolt only has threads on about 1/4 of it's length....so will a completely threaded bolt cause a problem.....does it need to be rated at a certain hardness?

Thanks

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

since its a suspension bolt, the hardness grade is very important. its probably metric grade 8 or 10. there shuld be a number on the head of the bolt to let you know and you can use that for reference when replacing the bolt. having a completely threaded bolt over one with a shoulder will work but you shuld get the correct bolt from the dealer or one of equal size, shoulder and grade.

bwaits

iTrader: (12)

In simple terms you should not have a problem. The shock motion will not break the bolt. However, if you are bottoming the shock on its bump travel you could break the bolt. A shank portion to the bolt would be better from an engineering standpoint.

I am sure I have 300 of these bolts laying around if you would rather use a stock bolt. Pm me if interested, you cover the USPS charges.

-billy