I really do appreciate the replies and help! I am going to get a ball joint press as I need one anyway for another project...I just did not think of it...
It has occurred to me, however, since the new wet bolts are exactly the same size as the stock bolts (3"), if I place spacers the bolts will not be long enough (my bolts are 9/16" on the shoulder and 7/16" threads and the bolt is torqued down against the shoulder...I know that most link bolts are 9/16" shoulder and threads). Right now the nuts are torqued against the shoulder of the bolt. I have managed, through using a clamp and hammer, to fully sink the serration on the bolts into the hanger at the top of the bolt with only a small crack at the bottom of the bolt head due to the bent angle of the hanger. In order to expand the hangers back out to where they are 2" top and bottom and then use spacers I would need longer bolts (with longer shoulders). Since it came from the factory like this I am going to go with it for the time being....maybe trade up later... Thanks again!!
