U Bolt Question
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Flat Rock, MI
U Bolt Question
Lets say your suspension is upgraded (V's/Modded B's or some other combination) and you're not happy with the ride height. If you try adding subtracting shims, leaves etc, are folks replacing U bolts everytime? I'd guess no but thoght I'd ask.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Sacramento Area
Per Ford the bolts are to be used once, but many on the forum have re-used them. I personally follow Ford's advice, but that's just me.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Sacramento Area
Good thing is if you do decide to get them, you can have them made by a local suspension shop for cheap...I think mine ran in the ballpark of $10-12 per for the fronts, $14 or so per for the rears.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Central Valley
I can think of 2 reasons why ford don't want people to re-use ubolts.
1) Liability- Someone might use ubolts that is in poor condition.
2) Profit- Can't sell new ones if people re-use them.
I bought new ubolts for my B mod, but I end up using old ones. I'm saving new ones for my permanent setup.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Media PA
I had new U-bolts made at a local spring shop when I first did my spring swap. The initial setup didn't put the rear lift where I wanted it so I took it all apart and added a few bits to the mix and then I reused the U-bolts. Almost 20k miles of towing heavy (9.5-10.5k lbs) and they are doing fine.
Does anyone else find it interesting that in this post (and others) we have a "Robert L. Ross" discussing the issue with a "RobbRoss" ?
.........
Pretty cool I think, gotta love the interwebs!
Does anyone else find it interesting that in this post (and others) we have a "Robert L. Ross" discussing the issue with a "RobbRoss" ?
......... Pretty cool I think, gotta love the interwebs!
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From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart
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Cargo Master
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Not for nothing, and I know it's wrong, but I reused my U-bolts up front, and I got a set of take-offs from a local 4x4 shop for the rear when I did my spring swap. That was 8 years ago and over 100k miles.
Stewart
Stewart
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Honestly I think it boils down more to how the vehicle is used and the overall condition, longevity of install, etc. Personally, I have re-used u-bolts twice. Once on my Jeep, had them on for a few months and many trail rides. Took them off to revamp the rear springs, threw them back on, and the passenger side failed while on the trail. I chalk that up to vehicle use and abuse.
Second time was on my Ex, realized I neglected to install the Ex shims while doing the B mod, so I pulled it apart and re-used the u-bolts. They were new, maybe two weeks old so I felt confident in their integrity.
Other than that, absolutely no way - new u-bolts every time. Just like strap bolts on the yokes for driveshafts - I throw new bolts in every time. In the end its relatively cheap insurance. Bolts get torqued and they stretch minute amounts, never know when one is going to fail under load and seriously mess up your day.
Second time was on my Ex, realized I neglected to install the Ex shims while doing the B mod, so I pulled it apart and re-used the u-bolts. They were new, maybe two weeks old so I felt confident in their integrity.
Other than that, absolutely no way - new u-bolts every time. Just like strap bolts on the yokes for driveshafts - I throw new bolts in every time. In the end its relatively cheap insurance. Bolts get torqued and they stretch minute amounts, never know when one is going to fail under load and seriously mess up your day.
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