u bolt question
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Southern Oregon
u bolt question
79 ford f250 4x4 crew cab, I have a dana 44 up front and when I got this truck it looked like someone had just grabbed some u bolts and slapped them on.
Im replacing them and dont know what length and type.
One of the ones I took off was flat while the other is round.
Can someone please tell me what I need. Thank you
Im replacing them and dont know what length and type.
One of the ones I took off was flat while the other is round.
Can someone please tell me what I need. Thank you
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 15
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From: Oregon Coast
Are you asking about leaf spring u bolts? I can go outside and give you a diameter and an Idea of the design and length overall, but what I don't know is if they were engineered to a grade five or a grade eight. Grade 8 is not always better. I will get right back to you.
Uncle Louie
Uncle Louie
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,387
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From: Northern California
I appreciate uniformity and believe that U-bolts are meant to be used only once so replacing is probably warranted as if they are mixed and matched then someone may have reused one or more of them. Aside from that, I don't think (could be wrong and would appreciate the reason why I am wrong if I am) the flat or round style makes much of a difference; I am willing to bet that both styles have been used by the various manufacturers that have equipped their vehicles with the D44 axle. What matters is obviously the overall size and the thickness; it has to fit and be rated properly for the application.
The solution is simple... Take the bolt you removed to a knowledgeable parts store (maybe one with a driveline shop) and ask for 4 new ones similar to it. Going to the 'Help!' section of your local big-box discount auto parts store isn't what I would do...
Or since you are already working on the suspension, order a lift kit that comes with u-bolts.
The solution is simple... Take the bolt you removed to a knowledgeable parts store (maybe one with a driveline shop) and ask for 4 new ones similar to it. Going to the 'Help!' section of your local big-box discount auto parts store isn't what I would do...
Or since you are already working on the suspension, order a lift kit that comes with u-bolts.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
Are you asking about leaf spring u bolts? I can go outside and give you a diameter and an Idea of the design and length overall, but what I don't know is if they were engineered to a grade five or a grade eight. Grade 8 is not always better. I will get right back to you.
Uncle Louie
Uncle Louie
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
According to the illustration in the parts catalog, the spring should be flat, shaped like a rectangle rather than a "U"
Here what the parts books says:
U bolt, front spring
Fits: 78-up F250 crew cab w/ 4WD
D7TZ-5455-A (4 required)
Here are the dimensions:
Length, measured from the inside of the U to the end of the thread.
8"
Width, measured inside to inside:
3 1/16"
Length of thread:
2½"
Thread size:
9/16"-18
Here what the parts books says:
U bolt, front spring
Fits: 78-up F250 crew cab w/ 4WD
D7TZ-5455-A (4 required)
Here are the dimensions:
Length, measured from the inside of the U to the end of the thread.
8"
Width, measured inside to inside:
3 1/16"
Length of thread:
2½"
Thread size:
9/16"-18
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 15
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From: Oregon Coast
Interesting I used a new digital micrometer and read the diameter three times, each time I came Up with 67/128ths. inches, that is a hair over 1/2''. Thinking it was rust and thirty five years of grime I chose the 1/2'' diameter. If 9/16'' would fit the holes I would sure use them.
I once changed out ten grade five, 5/16th bolts that were in place for over twenty five years on an Atwood braking system, with ten Grade eight bolts during the reconstruction. They failed under a reverse load full stop lock up within the first two years, all ten snapped at once! Something the system was doing for over 25 years. I replaced them with ten grade five bolts and have not had a problem since. That has been over ten years now.
I once changed out ten grade five, 5/16th bolts that were in place for over twenty five years on an Atwood braking system, with ten Grade eight bolts during the reconstruction. They failed under a reverse load full stop lock up within the first two years, all ten snapped at once! Something the system was doing for over 25 years. I replaced them with ten grade five bolts and have not had a problem since. That has been over ten years now.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Near St. Joseph,MO
I just bought 5/8" for my d60, not sure if they will fit the d44 holes or not but if they will get them.
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Souderton
These are the ones that we bend up for our customers for a stock F250 for your year.
9/16X3X9-1/2 Square U-Bolt Kit**FREE SHIPPING**
9/16" x 3" x 9-1/2" Square. We have seen them to be 8-1/2" but the rods that we use have plenty of thread so if they seem to be sticking out too much for your liking you can always trim them once they are torqued down.
-Junior
9/16X3X9-1/2 Square U-Bolt Kit**FREE SHIPPING**
9/16" x 3" x 9-1/2" Square. We have seen them to be 8-1/2" but the rods that we use have plenty of thread so if they seem to be sticking out too much for your liking you can always trim them once they are torqued down.
-Junior
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,806
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From: The Shenandoah Valley
When I lowered my '07 F150 I removed factory spacers and needed shorter U-bolts, I ordered some here at Stengle Bros. .... they came 9/16 with hardened washers and deep well nuts. Well made items. Tightened evenly so same threads showing then gradually torqued in steps until 105 ft lbs and rechecked several times over the miles. When no longer taking any more turns, I locked a second set of nuts against the deep well nuts to "lock" them.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 416
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From: Southern Oregon
These are the ones that we bend up for our customers for a stock F250 for your year.
9/16X3X9-1/2 Square U-Bolt Kit**FREE SHIPPING**
9/16" x 3" x 9-1/2" Square. We have seen them to be 8-1/2" but the rods that we use have plenty of thread so if they seem to be sticking out too much for your liking you can always trim them once they are torqued down.
-Junior
9/16X3X9-1/2 Square U-Bolt Kit**FREE SHIPPING**
9/16" x 3" x 9-1/2" Square. We have seen them to be 8-1/2" but the rods that we use have plenty of thread so if they seem to be sticking out too much for your liking you can always trim them once they are torqued down.
-Junior
I see we can get a price break for mentioning the forums nice deal. I'll be calling you tomorrow. But just to let you know I did goggle the part number that mikeo0o0o0 said in his post and came up with this.
Square Bend U-Bolts - 9/16" x 3 1/16" x 8 3/8" - 361-434 | $15.95
But we can talk more later
Uncle louie , I see your on the Oregon coast? I live in Medford.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,186
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Lift companies like Skyjacker, and other places like Summit, Jegs, JBG sale u bolt kits...
1967-79 Ford Full Size Truck/Bronco U-Bolts & Parts - Suspension
1967-79 Ford Full Size Truck/Bronco U-Bolts & Parts - Suspension