Rear Spring U-bolts

H-town64 · Post by **H-town64** » December 7, 2007, 2:21 pm

Hey guys-
In my fervor of tearing down my '64 to the frame I cut off and then threw away the u-bolts for the rear springs. Now as I am putting it back together, I need some U-bolts and don't know the size to buy. If I know what size, I should be able to pick up some at the local autoparts store. Anybody know what size I need?

Thanks!

Max · Post by **Max** » December 7, 2007, 2:27 pm

Aside from the catalogs, I'm taking a wild guess and if H-town is Houston then you can get them at Heitman's.

http://www.heitmancompany.com/

jakdad · Post by **jakdad** » December 7, 2007, 3:24 pm

Yep, Heitmans or a wrecking yard. I wouldn't buy u-bolts from just anyplace. They may be imported or not properly tempered bolts. Stay with the knowns. I would buy factory bolts at a wrecking yard before I bought new ones of unknown quality.

Rosati · Post by **Rosati** » December 7, 2007, 8:26 pm

The bolts are 9/16 inch and fit a 3" diameter axle tube. Lenght is up to you. I have a mono spring so mine are much shorter than what you need

oldtrucks · Post by **oldtrucks** » December 7, 2007, 8:30 pm

H town64

You did the right thing cutting the U bolts. Try and find a spring shop and have them bend you up a set. DOT requires that U bolts be made of a specific material and have rolled threads instead of cut threads.
Measure the retainer plates or take one with you for U bolt width. Measure from the top of the axle to the bottom of the retainer for the distance the U bolts need for clamp. Some parts stores cary good U bolts but you will still need the measurements if you didn't save the old U bolts.
I would never re-use a U bolt because of the stretch involved when tightening them. When you install the new U bolts go back a couple of tomes after you drive the truck and re-tighten them.

Truckrat · Post by **Truckrat** » December 10, 2007, 4:53 pm

O Reillys has U bolts that might work. At least they do here. I've seen them on the shelves more than once and thought If I ever needed any and it was a weekend, I could still get some. Good luck with that. TR

jakdad · Post by **jakdad** » December 10, 2007, 5:15 pm

Might want to ask or look to see if Parts house U-bolts have rolled threads, as Oldtrucks mentioned. Very important.

blackagatha · Post by **blackagatha** » December 10, 2007, 8:59 pm

why are cut threads bad? I think we need to discuss this concept further.

jakdad · Post by **jakdad** » December 10, 2007, 9:24 pm

blackagatha wrote:why are cut threads bad? I think we need to discuss this concept further.

I believe they are more prone to crack and ultimately break.

blackagatha · Post by **blackagatha** » December 10, 2007, 10:05 pm

interesting. Also, rolling them might help make the metal stronger by compressing it kinda like forging it...???

GLindley · Post by **GLindley** » December 10, 2007, 10:29 pm

Here ya go BA, a link for more technical info.

http://www.portlandbolt.com/faqs/rolled ... bolts.html

blackagatha · Post by **blackagatha** » December 10, 2007, 10:41 pm

interesting...

So they are work hardened, the molecular structure isn't compromised, and are generally smoother... that is cool.

Are they tempered after forming, or are they done at that point? (well for higher grades)

BikerDude · Post by **BikerDude** » January 2, 2008, 3:13 pm

Eaton springs also has a wealth of knowledge and online do's and dont's when it comes to leaf springs, u bolts etc. I bought a set of rean leaves from them and they make a nice product and shipping was very reasonable. Not an endrosement but a great place to go for knowledge.

BikerDude · Post by **BikerDude** » January 2, 2008, 3:13 pm

Eaton springs also has a wealth of knowledge and online do's and dont's when it comes to leaf springs, u bolts etc. I bought a set of rear leaves from them and they make a nice product and shipping was very reasonable. Not an endrosement but a great place to go for knowledge.

Phil · Post by **Phil** » January 2, 2008, 7:22 pm

BikerDude wrote:Eaton springs also has a wealth of knowledge and online do's and dont's when it comes to leaf springs, u bolts etc. I bought a set of rear leaves from them and they make a nice product and shipping was very reasonable. Not an endrosement but a great place to go for knowledge.

Eaton rules. The Torino boys all spend extra to buy there. Good leaf springs.
Good to know they do U bolts. They are near me in Detroit