I undid the 4 U-bolts that hold the axle to the leaf springs as well as disconnecting the ends of the sway bar. Now i'm done and trying to put it all back together. The axle has shifted to the driver's side 2"-3" and won't go back toward the passenger's side to be centered. How do I get it centered up again?

 

Crowbar, long piece of 2x4 or a come-along all work well for this task.

 

Ratchet straps work well. Hopefully you are replacing the U-bolts as well....

 

Another great suggestion that I did not think of!

Personally I am not in 100% agreement of replacing the u-bolts after loosening them to do other work. I have worked on cars/trucks as a hobby for 35+ years. I have never replaced a u-bolt when loosening/removing one when servicing a vehicle.

YMMV.....

 

im guessing your talking about the f350 4x4? did you undo the trac bar? if not i believe it will move back over as you lift it back into place

 

rla2005- The point of replacing u-bolts, particularly for the axles, is that over time they stretch, and effectively weaken. When you simply re-use and re-torque u-bolts, they weaken even more, and the POTENTIAL is there for one or both to snap [usually one breaking will cause the other to break]. This of course will cause a really bad problem on the road.

It's not a definite science- I am guessing by your post that you haven't experienced this issue, but it's still possible.

Besides, for the cost, it's just worth it to buy new u-bolts.

 

Not even over time.. A U-bolt from the time it is put on and tightened is made to stretch. When you install a U-bolt you are supposed to retorque a few miles later because of settling. After that, any removal calls for replacement. I doubt the U-bolts on a semi axle are any different than those on a pick up other than size. The only sad thing is that non commercial vehicles usually do not have the same monitored safety standards unless you live in an inspection state.

http://www.eatonsprings.com/ubolttorques.htm

 

I got it before I was able to get back here and read your posts, you guys are all over it tonight

I used ratchet straps and got it done. I think the axle is still towards the driver's side about 1/2" but maybe it was like that before, who knows?

And yes, I did replace all of the U-bolts, one of them had rusted the threads right down to the shaft, I don't know how it even unscrewed but it definitely wouldn't have gone back together for me.

Anyway, I just took it for a drive up the highway and I survived, must have done something right.

I assume an alignment would be a good idea now?