Leaf spring nipples - removal?

[Speedy88]

Hey all, having trouble removing the nipples on one of my leaf springs. Drilling is not an option as it is spring steel. I could grind them off and do without the function but I'd rather not. Tried hammering but no luck, will try a sledge once I know which way they should come out. If you imagine the springs are attached to the car, should the nipples hammer out up or down?

Cheers in advance

[Speedy88]

Err nobody removed these then? I've been thinking about removing the function on one of them and just putting an inch of weld between the two leafs, seems the only option I can do cheaply.

[volvodspec]

nipples; you mean those bumps in the middle that hold the rear axle in place?

clamp the nipple in a vice and then move the leafspring around, it should pop out after a few go's. after that you can drill through the last bit of leafspring
wich eventually creates a simple bolt hole to hold the springs in place, imo the best way to mount lowering blocks / twin leafsprings etc.

i wouldn't reccommend welding leafspring material, there is an awfull lot that can go wrong with the spring and welds if the steel is heated/cooled wrong...

[Speedy88]

Oh I see, that explains why big hammers weren't working Cheers buddy.

[mrsoundcraft]

Yes I found that out the hard way too. Also used 3 14mm drills to get through the springs, hard going, well worth it. Suspension feels ballanced better front to back. Only problem is The rears went up so I need 3" lowering blocks now!