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U-joint straps vs u-bolts?

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Old 04-18-2013, 01:28 AM
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Default U-joint straps vs u-bolts?

Has anyone converted from the stock u-joint straps to something else like heavy duty straps or the u-bolt style straps? Pros and Cons please.

Thanks
Old 04-18-2013, 02:05 AM
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I'm about to do the switch. U bolt is stronger and if it breaks you just pull it off and put a new one on without dealing with broken bolts.
Old 04-18-2013, 09:22 AM
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I converted to the u-bolts when I installed my locker. Just by looking at them you can tell the bolts will be stronger. With 33s locked I've been beating on it for about a year now with no problems.
Old 04-18-2013, 12:43 PM
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Straps are a total PITA, if you wheel and use straps just make sure you carry new u joints and bolts and straps plus drive shafts. Because when they break, not if they break you'll probably at least lose the u joint journals and bolts.
Old 04-18-2013, 08:39 PM
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i always convert on any xj ive ever had, its so easy & cheap to do.
Old 04-18-2013, 09:13 PM
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If you've ever tried to drill out a broken bolt you'll thank yourself for converting to u bolts. Plus the u bolts are cheap, 6 bucks a set out the door at most parts stores.
Old 04-18-2013, 09:22 PM
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Anyone have a part number for the u bolts? Need for c8.25 and dana 30
Old 04-18-2013, 09:25 PM
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There's this:

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=PFX

Although I'm sure you can drill out your current yoke and find ubolts for a bit cheaper
Old 04-18-2013, 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by 1996sportXJ
There's this:

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=PFX

Although I'm sure you can drill out your current yoke and find ubolts for a bit cheaper
Thats what I was hoping for, oh well my shop is attached to a parts store so I guess I will go "fishing" tomorrow!
Old 04-18-2013, 09:43 PM
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My only question is if a U bolt is so great then why do all the commercial big trucks have straps ? {Puts flame suit on waits for the fire to start}
Old 04-18-2013, 09:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Aljay
My only question is if a U bolt is so great then why do all the commercial big trucks have straps ? {Puts flame suit on waits for the fire to start}
It's not that they are a great deal stronger, but they are much easier to fix on the trail.
Old 04-18-2013, 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Aljay
My only question is if a U bolt is so great then why do all the commercial big trucks have straps ? {Puts flame suit on waits for the fire to start}
You can over tighten the u-bolt style and kill the bearings in the caps. Straps prevent this from happening. This is why the majority of vehicles have straps as o.e. equipment. I use the u-bolt style on my front drive shaft on the t-case side. Had to swap over when I went to an Explorer drive shaft mated to a NP231 yoke.
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Old 04-18-2013, 09:59 PM
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Never seen anyone complain about the straps and bolts being a pain?
Old 04-18-2013, 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by 94XjSport94
Never seen anyone complain about the straps and bolts being a pain?
In regards to changing on the trail?
Old 04-18-2013, 10:10 PM
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