U-bolts
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,493
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From: SE Iowa
U-bolts
I picked up a set of 5/8" x 15" U-bolts at a farm auction for $10. They look to be unused. I figured for a possible future lift set, I couldnt pass up the price.
Anyway, my question is they are 3 5/8" inside measurement. If I ever had to use them, would the extra 1/8" be problem since my current bolts are 3.5" (10.25 axle)? I have the tendency to say no given the ubolt provides mainly upward clamping force, and the fact its only an extra 1/16" on each side. However, I'd rather be out $10 and be safe than find out the hard way.
Anyway, my question is they are 3 5/8" inside measurement. If I ever had to use them, would the extra 1/8" be problem since my current bolts are 3.5" (10.25 axle)? I have the tendency to say no given the ubolt provides mainly upward clamping force, and the fact its only an extra 1/16" on each side. However, I'd rather be out $10 and be safe than find out the hard way.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
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You could run them, but the ends may be difficult to get through the spring plate, heating them to make a smaller bend will be difficult, and may amplify this problem. With a little time, this could be made to work, but the biggest problem is the length. How long are the actual threads? A single spring pack, and a single block will only require a given length of u-bolt. You super long 15 inchers have limited threads, meaning that the threads do not go all the way down. While a long bolt could be cut if the excess is not used, but if there are not enough threads to tighten everything down, this may not be such a great deal. You could run two blocks, but that is not the way to go.
A decent lift with an all spring pack would actually require a shorter u-bolt, even shorter than stock. An AAL will require the same length u-bolt. You may have found out why these perfectly good u-bolts were sitting there looking for a new home.
You are not considering running multiple blocks are you?
A decent lift with an all spring pack would actually require a shorter u-bolt, even shorter than stock. An AAL will require the same length u-bolt. You may have found out why these perfectly good u-bolts were sitting there looking for a new home.
You are not considering running multiple blocks are you?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 346
From: SE Iowa
The thread length in about 5 inches. If and when I ever get around to a lift, I dont think the length will be a problem The current ubolts on the truck now are 11.5" due to having the factory overload spring. Also, I'd probably swap the factory 2" lift block for a 4" off a F350 and use different springs for any additional lift. As long as I keep the overload spring I'm good as far as thread length. Besides, a lift is a ways off. First I have to decide tire/rim combo and then save for them.
Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the help!
Last edited by stryder; Jun 28, 2007 at 09:36 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Keep in mind that the overload is on top of the spring it is only good with the arch of the original spring. If you add more arch to it, the overload will touch, and will not work as it is intended.
If it is a flat spring under the pack, and you add arch to the spring to gain heigth, then chances are, it may never touch, so it then is just there for the ride.
If it is a flat spring under the pack, and you add arch to the spring to gain heigth, then chances are, it may never touch, so it then is just there for the ride.
