I'm shopping for a tap/die set tomorrow and I need to clean out the threads on the rear leaf spring U-bolts. But i'm out of town so I can't measure the threads myself. Does anyone know the thread size for those off hand?

 

The treads on mine got pretty messed up when I took them apart. It would be better to just buy new U bolts, not sure if your suppose to use them over again anyway. It kind of seems like a safety thing to me. Any nut or bolt that is structural I replace with new ones. Just my opinion.

 

Well it's always "safer" to buy new parts, right? But these U-bolts are still just fine (they are after all "Built Ford Tough"), the only reason I even need to clean them up is because I took out some leaves and because of that the nuts have to thread on further than they did from the factory.

 

No, actually, they're not.

First, U-bolts stretch when they are torqued down and shouldn't be reused after being re loosened.

Also, they should be hardened and you will probably not be able to cut them with a die. And if you can, you DEFINATELY need to replace them.

You can get new U-bolts made the right size and thread depth at any local spring shop - and you should. Especially if you are planning on running the rear springs still with only four leaves. Cost is about $25.

 

21C5701C .. Rear Spring U-Bolt / 9/16" -18 thread / Obsolete / Fits: 1948/52 F1 / 1953/56 F100.

GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has FOUR = 800-543-4959.