I picked up a set of 5/8" x 15" U-bolts at a farm auction for $10. They look to be unused. I figured for a possible future lift set, I couldnt pass up the price.
Anyway, my question is they are 3 5/8" inside measurement. If I ever had to use them, would the extra 1/8" be problem since my current bolts are 3.5" (10.25 axle)? I have the tendency to say no given the ubolt provides mainly upward clamping force, and the fact its only an extra 1/16" on each side. However, I'd rather be out $10 and be safe than find out the hard way.
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Stryder
---------------------------------------------------- 1990 F250 4x4 -> 302HO, T-18 4spd, 4.10LS gears 1970 Mustang Mach1 -> Project in progress. 428CJ w/C6, and 3.73 geared detroit locker. 1938 Ford pickup -> Inherited Project. Custom 4 link rear suspension. 4in. chopped top.
dont heat anything up! just use them the way they are,there fine as you tighten them up they'll close. thats 15 inch on each leg? good price i just bought new ones for $50. good find!
__________________ 79 supercab f350 557ci. eagle .diamond slugs,TFS heads.435'4spd. np 205, D60 up front/corp. in back with 4:88s 9 inc.of superlift,39 inc. irocks around 16.5x12 alcoa's. xlt lairat 2004 jade green/and cream.
You could run them, but the ends may be difficult to get through the spring plate, heating them to make a smaller bend will be difficult, and may amplify this problem. With a little time, this could be made to work, but the biggest problem is the length. How long are the actual threads? A single spring pack, and a single block will only require a given length of u-bolt. You super long 15 inchers have limited threads, meaning that the threads do not go all the way down. While a long bolt could be cut if the excess is not used, but if there are not enough threads to tighten everything down, this may not be such a great deal. You could run two blocks, but that is not the way to go.
A decent lift with an all spring pack would actually require a shorter u-bolt, even shorter than stock. An AAL will require the same length u-bolt. You may have found out why these perfectly good u-bolts were sitting there looking for a new home.
You are not considering running multiple blocks are you?
The thread length in about 5 inches. If and when I ever get around to a lift, I dont think the length will be a problem The current ubolts on the truck now are 11.5" due to having the factory overload spring. Also, I'd probably swap the factory 2" lift block for a 4" off a F350 and use different springs for any additional lift. As long as I keep the overload spring I'm good as far as thread length. Besides, a lift is a ways off. First I have to decide tire/rim combo and then save for them.
Thanks for the help!
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Stryder
---------------------------------------------------- 1990 F250 4x4 -> 302HO, T-18 4spd, 4.10LS gears 1970 Mustang Mach1 -> Project in progress. 428CJ w/C6, and 3.73 geared detroit locker. 1938 Ford pickup -> Inherited Project. Custom 4 link rear suspension. 4in. chopped top.
Keep in mind that the overload is on top of the spring it is only good with the arch of the original spring. If you add more arch to it, the overload will touch, and will not work as it is intended.
If it is a flat spring under the pack, and you add arch to the spring to gain heigth, then chances are, it may never touch, so it then is just there for the ride.
