HI would like to know if i have to TORQUE the u bolt nuts at a certain setting,or just tighten the nuts like crazy with a regular wrench

 

most all bolts have a torque setting,if thats not available,then you can come close by going to a standard fastener torque chart,but you will need to know thread pitch,diameter,grade of metal,lubricated or dry torque.

 

There should be a published torque spec of the U bolts for whatever truck you're working on. I'd consult a dedicated service manual.

Given the nature of those fasteners and their unique use I'm not sure something considered standard perhaps in the machinery world would apply.

Whatever you mean by a regular wrench might be not be adequate to properly install those bolts though---the torque spec will pretty much determine the tools necessary.

 

A truck mechanic told me to return 500 miles after he installed new U-bolts on the rear leaf springs of my F250. He said the bolts loosen up a bit after the initial installation and need to be torqued again.

 

There will be a few different determining factors for your torque specs. What grade the Ubolts are, plated, unplated, fine thread, etc and the list goes on.....

Here is our torque page that a lot of people on the Internet reference too.

Recommended U-Bolt Torque, Suspension Replacement Parts

 

Going back and re torquing is a must. Good call by your mechanic, things start to loosen a little when things start to settle. I would check and re torque before 500 miles, 500 seems like a long time.

-Junior

 

Don't know what year you have, but my book states for foot pound torque on the u-bolts:

2004-2006 2-steps
step 1... 22 in crisscross pattern
Step 2... 85 in crisscross

2007 and later 4-steps
Step 1... 26 in crisscross
Step 2... 52 in crisscross
Step 3... 74 in crisscross
Step 4... 98 in crisscross

Hope this helps.