extra deep socket needed to get U-bolt nuts off?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
extra deep socket needed to get U-bolt nuts off?
I was gonna put taller blocks on the rear of my truck but the stock U-bolts are so long that my deep well impact socket won't fit over the nut? I tried using a wrench which would work for the outside too but I can't get to the inside nuts and get enough force on the wrench to break them loose. Any ideas?
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
at 200 ft/lbs+ it's going to be hard on a ratching box end, even a good one. You can buy a really deep well from snap on or matco or you can just buy new u-bolts. Ubolts should be about $50, the socket will run between $40 and $150.
However, there are some O-drive ratchets. They have a hole through the ratchet for working on really long bolts, they can come in handy I guess.
However, there are some O-drive ratchets. They have a hole through the ratchet for working on really long bolts, they can come in handy I guess.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Beerstalker
If you are swapping in the taller f350 blocks you will need longer ubolts anyway so just cut them off.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
The u-bolts you have will work. You will need to loosten and remove one complete
u-bolt, once removed, it will make the neded clearance to allow the use of a wrench on the other two nuts.
Take the outside one off first, and then remove the inside one.
You really should not have that much thread exposed. That only meant that someone installed a set that was too long, but you will use up the remainng thread once you install the taller block.
u-bolt, once removed, it will make the neded clearance to allow the use of a wrench on the other two nuts.
Take the outside one off first, and then remove the inside one.
You really should not have that much thread exposed. That only meant that someone installed a set that was too long, but you will use up the remainng thread once you install the taller block.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,339
Likes: 4,349
From: SW VA
I would not re-use the U-bolts. When the factory torques the bolts to spec, they stretch a little bit (like all bolts) to acheive the proper torque. Once you unbolt them, and try to reuse them again...they become weaker. You can do it...but it's not the 'right' way to do it...
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 421
From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by 77hiboyboy
Try putting a little heat on the nut and they will spin right off.
Seriously, do us all a favor, and CUT THEM OFF already
You need new ones anyway.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 115
Likes: 4
From: S.E. Washington
The best thing to do is take a disc grinder and cut them off. It takes less than 30 seconds each. Buy the right diameter U-bolts and cut them down so you can use a deep socket next time. Dress the end of the thread so you don't tear the threads on the nuts. Clean off the oil, prime and piant them. Put some anti-seeze on the threads and torque them down. ~Dave
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: The Great Plains
Originally Posted by krewat
And after that, you can throw them away.
Seriously, do us all a favor, and CUT THEM OFF already
You need new ones anyway.
Seriously, do us all a favor, and CUT THEM OFF already
You need new ones anyway.