nhegel

I ended up getting the wrong size u-bolts with my kit. The question is can I use the factory ones with the new leafs? The bolt does come to the top of the nut when torqued. Also the spec from the chilton manual say 55 ft/lbs. Does that sound right? Please help

jpdocdave

it is best to get new bolts. they get stretched and worn over any amount of time. especially 10 yrs old.

MasterShakeXJ

you can usually get away with reusing ubolts but when you get new leaf packs(that are usually bigger) its best to use longer ubolts.

okcjeeper

Do not use your original factory ubolts.. get new ones..You should have threads showing once the nuts are fully torqued down..

74charger

I used an bastard pack, so i had to find my own u-bolts. The local auto store had plenty of ones to chose from, measure out what you need, and go get them. I was out $10 and they have stood up to some major abuse over the last year.

okcjeeper

If you have a place locally the works on or builds parts for big 18 wheeler trucks they can make you ubolts and hey will be beefier then pretty much most anything you can buy over the counter.

caged

yeah, i always get new ones made up from a spring shop. they are made from tool steel (black) instead of the cheap crappy tire ones that are silver.

also, the custom ones are always fine thread and can be made longer so you just cut them down once they are torqued.
1/2 inch fine thread bolts should be torqued between 50 and 60 lb/ft.

you should always use new u-bolts every time you remove them. as mentioned, they stretch during torque sequence.

OUTCAST

New ones are always best, but if you have at least a full nut of thread after torque you are fine. Go about 100 miles re-torque after everything is settling into place.

nhegel

Just an update...got my new ubolts today. I will be installing them this weekend and throwing the old ones out.

Desertfox1023

Just a note I wouldn't throw them out. I usually keep parts like that as spares just in case.

nhegel

Oh i will keep them i just didn't want to get yelled at for keepin them

Desertfox1023

Ya it's all good we're family here. Now if it's somthing like a rear swaybar you can just take that thing off and toss it far as you'd like, you won't ever need that again.

okcjeeper

Yep old ones are better then broken ones when you are on the trail..