Need U bolts.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Northeast Ohio USA
If you lower your truck, your user name becomes null and void 
Seriously, I do agree with bcamill. If you are reverting to stock rear suspension/spring specs, then you should be able to source the u-bolts, pretty much anywhere. Is there a reason why you cannot use the existing u-bolts?
Seriously, I do agree with bcamill. If you are reverting to stock rear suspension/spring specs, then you should be able to source the u-bolts, pretty much anywhere. Is there a reason why you cannot use the existing u-bolts?
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2015
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If you lower your truck, your user name becomes null and void
Seriously, I do agree with bcamill. If you are reverting to stock rear suspension/spring specs, then you should be able to source the u-bolts, pretty much anywhere. Is there a reason why you cannot use the existing u-bolts?
Seriously, I do agree with bcamill. If you are reverting to stock rear suspension/spring specs, then you should be able to source the u-bolts, pretty much anywhere. Is there a reason why you cannot use the existing u-bolts?
.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 354
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From: AZ
I do not recommend re using the existing u-bolts. U-bolts are designed for a one time use. The threads are shaped like a triangle and upon tightening them the thread distorts to keep it from becoming loose. I am sure many have re-used u-bolts before, but it is not the best option.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Northeast Ohio USA
Agreed
I have reused them with lock washers and/or double nuts 
but I do agree that it is best to use new. Cleveland Spring is local so I have always used them.
They built and installed my '97 Ranger springs at 175k miles (Ford spring breaking issue) along with new hangers. I think they will outlast the truck, and it is now at 300k + miles.
but I do agree that it is best to use new. Cleveland Spring is local so I have always used them.They built and installed my '97 Ranger springs at 175k miles (Ford spring breaking issue) along with new hangers. I think they will outlast the truck, and it is now at 300k + miles.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: AZ
Its funny that you just wrote that. I was going to add that the factory does not use lock washers as there is not need and if you have them on there, someone reused them.
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I will be the first to tell folks, always go with OEM/LKQ whenever possible but there are times when a "temporary" solution might be necessary. And I'm very guilty of temporary solutions from time to time 
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
First place would be a spring or truck shop. Around here the truck shop along with most others are only open M-F and I just cant get to them because of my job.
I did find Auto zone sells U bolts but of the 2 or 3 I checked with did not have the size I needed in stock so will need to order them.......soon as I want to get the rear back under my truck.
BE WARNED! if you cut the U bolts be careful as they have stored energy.....don't ask how I know.
Dave ----
I did find Auto zone sells U bolts but of the 2 or 3 I checked with did not have the size I needed in stock so will need to order them.......soon as I want to get the rear back under my truck.
BE WARNED! if you cut the U bolts be careful as they have stored energy.....don't ask how I know.
Dave ----
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
I only cut them because my impac gun would not budge them.
I now have a MAP gas torch. Little heat wrench always get them off.
Dave ----
Senior User
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I got the ones for my 86 F250 from Bronco graveyard. None of the local parts stores carried the size I needed.
Had to use a breaker bar and two cheater bars (actually a two piece jack-handle) to remove the old ones because my impact wouldn't budge them.
Had to use a breaker bar and two cheater bars (actually a two piece jack-handle) to remove the old ones because my impact wouldn't budge them.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1980/83 F100 / 1980/91 F150 2WD Regular & Super Cab without auxiliary spring.
GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has 4 = 800-543-4959.
DEWEY MOORE FORD in Hughes Springs TX has 4 = 903-639-2516.