Removing lift, u-bolts
#1
02-04-2011, 03:59 PM
Removing lift, u-bolts
Hi, I am considering removing the lift on my '01 F250 4x4 diesel.
It has a 2" block in back and a extra leaf in front. The previous owner says it is a Ford leveling leaf?
Anyway, Ford says do not reuse u bolts and nuts. Previous owner said the ones on it are stock, he did not replace them.
What is the wise thing to do here?
I will be towing a 30' trailer around, so reliability and safety are a must.
Thanks.
Tom.
It has a 2" block in back and a extra leaf in front. The previous owner says it is a Ford leveling leaf?
Anyway, Ford says do not reuse u bolts and nuts. Previous owner said the ones on it are stock, he did not replace them.
What is the wise thing to do here?
I will be towing a 30' trailer around, so reliability and safety are a must.
Thanks.
Tom.
#4
02-04-2011, 04:47 PM
#6
02-04-2011, 06:21 PM
Yeah, what he said. After all, it's just like russian roulette. Most of time you'll win!
But seriously.... These are torque to yield fasteners. Each time they are properly torqued, they will stretch and become weaker. Undertorquing to prevent that from happening is umm, well, I believe the technical term is stupid.
In a non-critical application, I will re-use once.
It's your life and your liability. Choose accordingly.
But seriously.... These are torque to yield fasteners. Each time they are properly torqued, they will stretch and become weaker. Undertorquing to prevent that from happening is umm, well, I believe the technical term is stupid.
In a non-critical application, I will re-use once.
It's your life and your liability. Choose accordingly.
#7
02-04-2011, 08:44 PM
Whether you decide to reuse them or not, don't under-torque your u-bolts, the spec is 185 ft-lbs.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ar-blocks.html
Maybe read some from this site:
U-Bolt Technical Information
Originally Posted by Truck Site
- Used U-bolts will have rusted and damaged threads from the previous installation
- A previously torqued U-bolt will suffer from distored threads from the engagement of the deep nut. Deep nuts should be tighened once and retorqued, never loosened and retightened.
- A used U-bolt may have suffered from fatigue as well excessive stress since achieving accurate torque with commonly used impact wrenches is very difficult.
Removed U-Bolts should NEVER be placed back onto the vehicle, they should be thrown away. Suspension U-Bolts are manufactured with a smooth rolled thread, while the mating Hi-Nuts are manufactured with sharp cut threads. When a U-Bolt is tightened to it's recommended torque level, the U-Bolt threads stretch as they mate with the Hi-Nuts. Although, not always visible to the naked eye, this damages the threads. Removing the Hi-Nuts from the U-Bolt will cause a cross-threading that will not allow the U-Bolt to be adequately re-torqued. A common practice in most maintenance facilities is to use a impact wrench to tighten U-Bolts. Consistent, accurate torque is next to impossible to obtain with a impact wrench, and in most cases an over-torqued fastener is the result. We recommend using a torque wrench when installing U-Bolts. New U-Bolts should be torqued after 2 weeks of usage.
As previously explained the primary function of the U-bolt is to maintain the clamping force on the spring assembly and related parts. Since clamping force is a function of the condition of the U-bolt, the damaged threads of the used U-bolt will make reaching this force very difficult. Considering that reusing U-bolts can lead to premature spring failure and other suspension damage it is clear that U-bolts should never be reused.
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#9
02-04-2011, 10:08 PM
Tom,
Stacked blocks are a no-no as well as re-using your u-bolts (you can reuse the nuts). Some people are just misinformed, lack knowledge and like to spread bad info. Being safe is a small price to pay for the price of new u-bolts.
The 250's have the 2" block and depending on your cab and bed style will be tappered or non-tappered. I believe the super and crew cabs with long bed will have the non-tappered and the super and single cabs with short bed will have the tappered blocks. If you in-fact do have stacked blocks you will need to get shorter u-bolts anyway so using the ones you have won't fit.
Also, you may want to check the driveshafts carrier bearing to see if a spacer was installed (probably a 1/2") that should be removed. It may or may not have had one installed.
Stacked blocks are a no-no as well as re-using your u-bolts (you can reuse the nuts). Some people are just misinformed, lack knowledge and like to spread bad info. Being safe is a small price to pay for the price of new u-bolts.
The 250's have the 2" block and depending on your cab and bed style will be tappered or non-tappered. I believe the super and crew cabs with long bed will have the non-tappered and the super and single cabs with short bed will have the tappered blocks. If you in-fact do have stacked blocks you will need to get shorter u-bolts anyway so using the ones you have won't fit.
Also, you may want to check the driveshafts carrier bearing to see if a spacer was installed (probably a 1/2") that should be removed. It may or may not have had one installed.
#10
02-05-2011, 09:05 PM
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