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Leaf spring U-bolts

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Old May 13, 2015 | 12:19 AM
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Leaf spring U-bolts

I needed to replace my axle to leaf spring U-bolts and plates, they were shot. I ordered a new set from JBG and got the driver's side on today. The holes in the plates are slightly more narrow than the leaf spring which is causing the U-bolts to spread out near the axle, as compared to the stock look of straight up and down. I can get them tightened down well, but does anyone see any issue with this?


I can't imagine an issue that it would cause as long as they are tight, and I don't have any machine tools to widen the holes at all and a normal hand drill wouldn't do it, the plates are super thick.


Opinions please...



 
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Old May 13, 2015 | 12:37 AM
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Looks like you have the incorrect plates? I'd bet a local machine shop or welding place can fix that too narrow problem.

Issue with it like that.. IMO if it (the u bolt) ever moves in on the bottom, which I am sure it will, it will loosen up the u bolt.

I would just go get it fixed and then after the test drive and let it settle, then retorque, then do a 25 mile and then a 50/100 mile retorque also.
 
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Old May 13, 2015 | 04:06 PM
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According to JBG they are the correct plates, looks like a piece they self manufacture though. When I lined them up they even looked like they lined up with just enough room. Apparently they're a hair off though as evidenced by that spread at the bottom.
 
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Old May 13, 2015 | 05:16 PM
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I would still get them trimmed enough to let the u bolts come together.
 
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