Old RAS, new U-Bolts?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I'm guessing you have the old style RAS that requires you to loosen up the rear springs...
If so, the u bolts in there are torque to yield and should be replaced with new, however there are a few on here that have reused the old ones without problems. Just check them at 100 miles and again at 1000. Just my. 02
If so, the u bolts in there are torque to yield and should be replaced with new, however there are a few on here that have reused the old ones without problems. Just check them at 100 miles and again at 1000. Just my. 02
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,273
Likes: 100
From: North Dakota
I've reused many a u-bolts without issues.
I've never heard of them being torque to yield, but have heard many times to always use new ones.
Infact, I have the stock rear ubolts on my Ex right now. Redid the rear suspention twice, the first time required longer ones, the second time the stockers where long enough so I used them.
I've never heard of them being torque to yield, but have heard many times to always use new ones.
Infact, I have the stock rear ubolts on my Ex right now. Redid the rear suspention twice, the first time required longer ones, the second time the stockers where long enough so I used them.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 11
From: freeland, mi
I have reused ubolts alot of times. Only ever had a issue of them loosening up once but a retorque fixed that. I would be ok reuseing them but agree with checking them regularly for a while.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 33
From: Sacramento Area
I have seen quite a few posts on the forum of guys doing the swaps and re-using the bolts. Considering you can get them custom made for around $7-$14 per bolt, for me it was worth the cost.
On the fronts, if you replace them don't get the square or round, there is a bend called 'semi-round' - that's what you want to get.
If you get the square bend you can end up pulling one side tighter than the other as they bend to find the arc - and if you get the round ones you'll have a gap at the top center and you can end up reaching your torque value before the gap comes out...that can lead to loosening over time.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Spokane, Wa
Great, thanks guys.
While I'm buying new u-bolts, how hard is it to add a small lift? I know very little about lifts. It often looks like they just wedge a piece of steel between the axle and springs.
While I'm buying new u-bolts, how hard is it to add a small lift? I know very little about lifts. It often looks like they just wedge a piece of steel between the axle and springs.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
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From: Sacramento Area
I know a bunch of guys in here have put in 4" and even more, so they will have to speak to that.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
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From: Sacramento Area
He'll need more guidance than "just get blocks" if he wants it done right.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,273
Likes: 100
From: North Dakota
He was talking about the rear, and new u bolts. So in that case a diff block is the answer. And yes a tappered block is what's needed.
We need to know what a "small lift" equals in inches to help more.
We need to know what a "small lift" equals in inches to help more.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 898
Likes: 3
I've heard people say that they are torque to yield before, but I doubt it. Most folks install with an impact wrench. Torque to yield bolts typically have specific instructions about use, like lubricating threads and going to a certain torque.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
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From: Sacramento Area
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,273
Likes: 100
From: North Dakota
In my repair manual just shows a value, not a step like a torque to yield bolt would have.
Torque to yield has a value, than usually something like an additional 1/4 turn, or something like that.
Torque to yield has a value, than usually something like an additional 1/4 turn, or something like that.
