x Code/ATS C with With Extra Leaf Swap
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 16
From: Colorado
U-bolts get a great deal of torque applied to them.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Well, technically, I did replace the rears. But I replaced them with a used set off of a 250.
Stewart
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 3
From: SW Ohio
So I will be the stick in your muddy pot! I have replaced a few rear ends in my day.. I have a great divorce attorney!
Ok back to reusing U bolts....If you know the Physics and scientific reason...then you should know the real world side of it....But if you do not......here it is....
If you can get them off in one piece, I would bet that the threads on the end of the ubolts will be boogered in someway or form.
That being the case the chances of you pulling the threads when you torque the nuts down are pretty high.
So what you need to ask yourself is are you willing to take a chance going down the road or being offroad and having a ubolt fail?
The hardware kit from ATS is about 70 an axle. I would rather spend the $ and have 0 issues!
BTW I have had old and new u-bolts fail on installation. Do not use the HELP brand ubolts unless you are in a pinch
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Michael S. Palmer
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2015
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I'm all aware of crappy Chinese u bolts, I am in the trailer repair business and probably swap 20-30 axles a year on trailers. About half the time they are drug on the ends and need cut, some are rusty and need cut off.
But, some come off nice and easy, as did the ones on my west coast 9-10 year old Excursion. The threads were as new in appearance and "Nut slack"
I've never had a trailer u bolt fail or loosen after being used / reused.
I don't think it's a bad idea, the cost is not great, I am just unconvinced to the point that they need to be replaced - specifically factory ones that came off nice with now obvious damage.
But, some come off nice and easy, as did the ones on my west coast 9-10 year old Excursion. The threads were as new in appearance and "Nut slack"
I've never had a trailer u bolt fail or loosen after being used / reused.
I don't think it's a bad idea, the cost is not great, I am just unconvinced to the point that they need to be replaced - specifically factory ones that came off nice with now obvious damage.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2015
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Not to get far off the OP thread subject but when I put my used X codes off an F 550 I measured the shackle length at was an exact inch longer than the stock EX FRONT hanger.
Has anyone noticed that before?
Do all X codes applications use that? Do stock trucks with V codes have that?
And lastly for the guys who bought new springs can I assume they don't come with the shackle?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2015
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Maybe it's a 550 thing? I used the longer shackles because they came w the springs. Because they ride at an angle, and it's only an inch on one end (less factoring the angle) it may have got me a 1/4 inch higher at the fenderwell.
Mine were used, after some miles of driving I am dead at 2" higher compared too stock shackles and saggy springs.
Most guys w new X codes claim to be in the 2.5-3 inch higher range when first installed. Obviously the stock springs may sag differently on each vehicle so that difference in height can't be exact across all boards.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Washington
I don't think your in for a surprise.
Maybe it's a 550 thing? I used the longer shackles because they came w the springs. Because they ride at an angle, and it's only an inch on one end (less factoring the angle) it may have got me a 1/4 inch higher at the fenderwell.
Mine were used, after some miles of driving I am dead at 2" higher compared too stock shackles and saggy springs.
Most guys w new X codes claim to be in the 2.5-3 inch higher range when first installed. Obviously the stock springs may sag differently on each vehicle so that difference in height can't be exact across all boards.
Maybe it's a 550 thing? I used the longer shackles because they came w the springs. Because they ride at an angle, and it's only an inch on one end (less factoring the angle) it may have got me a 1/4 inch higher at the fenderwell.
Mine were used, after some miles of driving I am dead at 2" higher compared too stock shackles and saggy springs.
Most guys w new X codes claim to be in the 2.5-3 inch higher range when first installed. Obviously the stock springs may sag differently on each vehicle so that difference in height can't be exact across all boards.
Alex
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 4
From: Idaho
Skip that is a great point that I never considered, and idler axles don't even get the braking force.
Not to get far off the OP thread subject but when I put my used X codes off an F 550 I measured the shackle length at was an exact inch longer than the stock EX FRONT hanger.
Has anyone noticed that before?
Do all X codes applications use that? Do stock trucks with V codes have that?
And lastly for the guys who bought new springs can I assume they don't come with the shackle?
Not to get far off the OP thread subject but when I put my used X codes off an F 550 I measured the shackle length at was an exact inch longer than the stock EX FRONT hanger.
Has anyone noticed that before?
Do all X codes applications use that? Do stock trucks with V codes have that?
And lastly for the guys who bought new springs can I assume they don't come with the shackle?