86 front transverse spring problem

[monsolo2]

I was under my 86 coupe yesterday working on my front exhaust y-pipe and noticed something... one of the front leaf spring retaining brackets is missing a bolt on one side and the bracket is slightly turned! I about barfed right there when I saw it... the entire bolt and nut assembly is missing... I was able to reach up and over the front spring cradle and feel where the bolt should be. How are these bolts held in place? Is it just a simple matter of removing the bracket, replacing the bolt, installing the bracket, and torquing the nuts back down? Or am I looking at a long involved job to relieve the spring and all that? I wonder if the spring is even ok or if I'm screwed at this point?? I just bought the car in October so hard telling how long it's been like this but it seams like a long time... the good part is that I haven't driven it all that much. Any thoughts??

 

[grumpyvette]

will this help?
http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2013/11 ... -overview/

http://vettenet.org/susp_chart.html

http://webpages.charter.net/khasting/ut ... ering.html

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/corp-0 ... uspension/

http://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette/su ... no-springs

http://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette/pr ... e-647474-1

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette ... -1987.html

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette ... -1987.html

viewtopic.php?f=34&t=483
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/corp-0 ... m#cxrecs_s

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette ... -1996.html
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette ... -1987.html

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/corp-0 ... uspension/

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tec ... chart.html

 

[monsolo2]

Grumpy, it's helpful... do you have this in pdf format that you could send me? Also, I'm more worried about the proper porcedure for fixing the problem. Do I have to unload the spring and disconnect it from the lower control arm on that side of the car or can I just loosen the other nut, rotate the clamp, install a new bolt and nut, and then re-torque the whole clamp down again? I'm thinking I should at least jack that front/side of the car up to do the fix, if that fix is ok to do.