Ashford - I'm with Walt on getting your suspension bolts in.
You should consider replacing the bolts with Grade 8 hardware;
grade 8 nyloc nuts should also be used, or you can use grade 8
nuts + lockwashers. Make sure the grip length of the bolt is
adequate for the application. Grip length is the non-threaded
part of the bolt, and you don't want any non-threaded part of
the bolt extending beyond the opposite end of the bushing, so
you can be assured of having enough thread for torquing the nut.
Use P-L-E-N-T-Y of anti-seize on the bolt so you won't have to
saw the bolt out when you do this job again in six years. The
bolt ought to fit through the bushing, though threading it may
help it make progress without damaging the threads. But a
slight tap - even a hard whack - ought to help the bolt in the
bushing line up with the hole in the chassis hangar and go thru
so you can put the nut on and torque it. To help with this
"alignment" problem, try threading a bolt in the other direction
to make sure the bush is lined up with the chassis hangar.
If you're using a new bolt, you may want to test-fit the
bolt. A slight variation in size may suggest honing out the
chassis hangar by a few thousandths to allow the bolt to go
through.
Have Fun!
Bob Rothstein
Vienna, VA
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