Re-using/Stretching U-Bolts
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 59
Likes: 9
From: Four Corners
Re-using/Stretching U-Bolts
Quick question guys - status:
Need to remove U-bolts to have a bracket welded to rear.
Reading about the "stretch" design of the Ford stock units, I was concerned about reuse.
I called Tuff Country and talked to Tech - he said as long as no thread damage, I can reuse over and over. That was my suspicion.
Anyone have experience with re-using these bolts or similar?
Just checking.
Thanks
- 2000 EX Limited - 150K miles, V-10, 35" tires
- Installed Tuff Country leveling kit 22960 - good kit BTW
- Installs 5/8 U-bolts on rear, replacing stock Ford unit with bigger diameter.
- Part number is 5U-3814R. only about 125 miles on parts.
Need to remove U-bolts to have a bracket welded to rear.
Reading about the "stretch" design of the Ford stock units, I was concerned about reuse.
I called Tuff Country and talked to Tech - he said as long as no thread damage, I can reuse over and over. That was my suspicion.
Anyone have experience with re-using these bolts or similar?
Just checking.
Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
If they were torqued to spec then the threads are stretched or as the tuff country tech put it "damaged"
Like any fastner that is TTY or Torgue To Yelid you can't see the "damage" you would have to measure it. Once they are stretched they are a one time use item.
Like any fastner that is TTY or Torgue To Yelid you can't see the "damage" you would have to measure it. Once they are stretched they are a one time use item.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 8,304
Likes: 28
From: Salem, VA
Are they "safe" to re-use, no. Do 99% of people re-use them and have .01% problems, yes.
I have and will continue to re-use mine for the rest of my life unless there is damage or they are being replaced along with other items. They technically need to be tossed every time, but even in extreme conditions I very highly doubt you would ever notice anything. If you're worried about it you can just check them for torque a little more often (I would if I was worried about it). I would not however use them 2-3 times. After removing them a second time I'm done.
I have and will continue to re-use mine for the rest of my life unless there is damage or they are being replaced along with other items. They technically need to be tossed every time, but even in extreme conditions I very highly doubt you would ever notice anything. If you're worried about it you can just check them for torque a little more often (I would if I was worried about it). I would not however use them 2-3 times. After removing them a second time I'm done.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Yes, I have. But, as Camo posted...
They are a one-time use fastener.
However, I have done this...
...and have been lucky, like Apoc posted....
I'm not "verifying" his numbers, just saying I've done the wrong thing like others have and have been lucky so far.
I don't think I'll ever do it again, though. I'm usually the kind of perfectionist that likes to do things the correct way, without cutting corners.
Usually.
Stewart
However, I have done this...
...and have been lucky, like Apoc posted....
I don't think I'll ever do it again, though. I'm usually the kind of perfectionist that likes to do things the correct way, without cutting corners.
Usually.
Stewart
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,723
Likes: 2,648
From: SE Florida
If they are torque to yield bolts (I don't know for a fact that they are, but many one use fasteners are) then reusing them risks failure. I'll leave it to your imagination as to what could happen is one fails. Is it worth the risk for the relatively small cost of new ones?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Kinda hafta weigh the individual situation. It's not so much that they will fail but the torque required to get the same clamping force will go waaay up when they are reused.
Loose spring packs can result in broken leaves or center alignment bolt. It's my understanding the way they are designed, the nuts are a softer steel than the rolled bolt threads and designed to deform a bit and dig in. Notice there's no cotter pin and castellated nut on these? The center portion of the spring pack must be absolutely tight and not move, ever, or stuff starts breaking.
Loose spring packs can result in broken leaves or center alignment bolt. It's my understanding the way they are designed, the nuts are a softer steel than the rolled bolt threads and designed to deform a bit and dig in. Notice there's no cotter pin and castellated nut on these? The center portion of the spring pack must be absolutely tight and not move, ever, or stuff starts breaking.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Fwiw,
The Ex/250/350 ubolt is a m16-2.0 or 5/8-18 grade 8 equivalent and the ford torque spec is 185 ft lbs
The F550 uses a m20-2.5 or 3/4-16 grade 8 equivalent , ford torque spec 259 ft lbs
The Ex/250/350 ubolt is a m16-2.0 or 5/8-18 grade 8 equivalent and the ford torque spec is 185 ft lbs
The F550 uses a m20-2.5 or 3/4-16 grade 8 equivalent , ford torque spec 259 ft lbs
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 8,304
Likes: 28
From: Salem, VA
I guess I should also add (once again) that I am a former mini trucker and doing things lkke this is a little more acceptable as the vehicle is an inch off the ground if not lower when cruising and also 1/4 the weight of our rigs.
On reflection I wouldn't reuse them.
On reflection I wouldn't reuse them.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,273
Likes: 100
From: North Dakota
I have yet to see a failure contributed to a reused u bolt on the suspension. I've seen failures from people not torquing them properly, or rechecking them after "x" miles after install. I've got used ones under my pickup right now.. It's been used n abused, they have been torqued to spec every time I've checked them..
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,273
Likes: 100
From: North Dakota
I've seen breaks like that on 100% stock vehicles with untouched u bolts.
