Hi all. Sorry to hit and run as a first post but I'm in the middle of a job and I'm a bit boogered at the moment.

Vehicle is an '02 or '03 E-350 and I have to remove the drivers side radius arm. I'm a competent enough wrench - but then again I suppose everybody would claim to be. I'm just saving you from fretting a noob's take on the safety aspect of suspension work - It's all good, I'm just more familliar with stovebolts.

The problem is the large bolt that goes through the I beam and locates the lower spring mount and front of the radius arm. It's not clear to me visually whether the actual cast I beam member is also threaded to some degree at the bottom surface or if the bolt simply pinches the radius rod to the axle via the nut - in which case once the nut was removed the bolt should be able to removed by some upward massaging with a hammer.

So far I've been unable to budge the bolt (from the top with a 13/16" impact socket) with penetrating oil and firm tapping while attempting to loosen it.

Not being sure if there is thread or just interference involved I'm trying to decide whether to go "big freakin' hammer". Might be able to get my hands on some tanks this afternoon for some cherry heat, but still - I'd like to know whether to twist or bang. Lol.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Jim.