Well took the truck out today.. And noticed a incredible amount of rattling when driving on the un-paved road... Got it home and put it up.. While checking everything I noticed that the u bolts were bottomed out.. But still loose by about a 1/8"... ( so when up in the air the differential was basically hanging)

The previous owner changed them.. There way to long.. Can anyone tell me what the correct length would be...from what I measured I'm thinking 9".. also having a hard time finding the correct square bend with a 3" center to center...

Any help in locating the correct ubolts would be appreciated..

Thank you

 

Not sure where you live, but a town of any size probably has somebody who can make them while you wait. Maybe ten bucks a piece. Measure what you need. It's important to specify whether they are half-round or square, they look similar. If they are loose the springs in the pack will probably break.

 

I don't think I have a spring shop around here....(had quite a few in Boston).. Hoping for something off the shelf...I'm pretty sure I need the square.. But wondering how to measure the bend..ID or OD or center to center?..

 

Well depends mainly on the plate used? It needs to fit right. A square bolt won't hug the contours where a "semi-round" was used.

 

Can you remove the nuts and add a few washers to take up the slack?

 

That's exactly what I did...previous owner tightened it past the threads so messed it up good... My impact couldn't get it started... Had to use a 3 ft breaker bar... Took them off cut off the extra 3" and used 2 flat washer and a lock washer..That worked out to 1/2" spacer which was more than enough...

Thanks for the help guys..

 

Please, when asking questions, list ALL the pertinent info. I know you have a 1965 F100 2WD, but how many other members know this?

To determine the correct u-bolt length, the number of leaf springs must be known. 1965 F100 2WD's could have 5 or 6 or 9 leaf spring packs.

 

I Need to figure out my signature...

 

Any speed shop with an online presence ought to be able to make up what you need.
Look for ones that do replacement springs - they make them up all the time.

When I replaced the rear leaf springs in my truck, I got the complete setup for about $500 but that was back in 2011. I'll type up the company information, and the specs from the invoice. It includes the measurements for the U-bolts, which were for the new springs and the Ford 9" rear axle.
If you have a Ford 9" rear, then these measurements will be close. The company you deal with should ask the right questions about your existing setup.

Here it is, and Best of luck!

B&T Sales Company INC
PO Box 1136
Skipjack, PA
610-584-5428
1-888-943-8287
Leaf Springs and Suspension Parts by Auto and Truck Springs Invoice dated March 2011.

Chevy replacement spring, 5/1 leaves, 2275 lbs capacity per spring (2-1/4X24X28) Uses 9/16 bolt, front and rear. Front and rear bushings supplied
Each $160 x 2 = $320
Shipping UPS Ground - $70
U-Bolt Kit Custom per sample - 1/2x3x7-3/4" Round, includes 2 U-bolts with deepnuts and washers.
$17 x 2 = $34
BT8-111SEB Leaf Spring Eye Bolt Kit, Grade 8 9/16"x4-1/2"
$11 x 2 = $22.