I'm almost embarrassed to make this a thread, but I guess the only stupid question...

With the S&!^ storm of information I've been absorbing lately I believe I was told that if I take the U-bolts off to do my leaf spring bushing swap out that I should put new ones back in. Is this true or can I reuse the old ones if they look ok?

Means about a $30 difference for the nearly $400 component replacement party I'm throwing here in the next few weeks.

If you bought some real fancy high grade u-bolts before I would feel comfortable using them again; however, if you're dealing with factory bolts or regular spring-shop replacements, I would just replace them. Cheap insurance IMO.

Yes, you really should replace them. Most u-bolts are torque-to-yield. As mentioned above, if you got an expensive set of grade-8 u-bolts, then you would be fine, but if they're OEM or OEM replacement, get new u-bolts.

Sucky thing is.... you'd have been better off leaving the u-bolts alone to do that bushing swap.

Thanks for the info. Actually I haven't started the job yet. It's just that I was told earlier I might have a hard time getting the bushings out if I didn't remove the U-bolts and take the leafs all the way out.

So you say I'll be able to get to the bushings without taking the U -bolts out?

It would easier to be able to lay the spring down or stick them in a vise, sure... but you can just remove the front and rear spring eye bolts, then drop the axle down and use a c-clamp or a ball-joint removal kit to press 'em out.

Since your going to be replacing the springs eventually why not go with a poly bushing kit. Rough figuring shows the price comparable with rubber and poly are easier to install. Just finished installing these recently. Also buy a tube of marine grade grease at Walmart and swab the bushing down good.