Talk about dangerous
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 344
From: Breckenridge, TX
Ok kind of back on the topic of bad ideas involving leaf springs. Is reusing u-bolts a bad idea? I've always thought you shouldn't reuse them, but I've never really known why I think this, and I can't come up with a good argument to support it.
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 344
From: Breckenridge, TX
I was thinking something along the lines of how the bolt is stressed, read up on something similar in the body lift write up a long time ago:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...he-how-to.html
If they're rusted, it would make sense to get new ones. Obviously putting in a block or changing the axle diameter would necesseitate replacement too, if only for the length/width. So I guess if you look them over real careful, make sure the threads are in good shape, no rust, nothing obviously wrong with them, then it's ok to use them?
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...he-how-to.html
If they're rusted, it would make sense to get new ones. Obviously putting in a block or changing the axle diameter would necesseitate replacement too, if only for the length/width. So I guess if you look them over real careful, make sure the threads are in good shape, no rust, nothing obviously wrong with them, then it's ok to use them?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 3
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
If we go back to that Fine F250 for sale on Ebay,once you stack multiple front lift blocks,used U-bolts are probably the least of your problems! Ubolts are under a lot of stress,they get torqued to a pretty good level,so im assuming just like cyl head bolts that its not the best idea to re-use them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 3
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
As far as people here who thought the Ebay truck was a decent deal,i just saw a 77 highboy for sale on Craigslist,Sacramento for $2000,it appeared to have somewhere in the neighborhood of 38" tires and the body looked good from what little i could see in the photos.....I bring this up only in the interest of stating that there are still some fairly decent Highboys out there for sale at reasonable prices,so for someone to think that the multiple block nightmare was anything more than a $1200 project seems a little crazy
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,092
Likes: 0
From: Olympia
I couldn't see any problem with re-using them, I don't want you quoting me on that but i've never had to.
Anytime i've ever done a lift, i've always needed longer u-bolts. I'm not really sure if they're meant to be re-used or not.
Anytime i've ever done a lift, i've always needed longer u-bolts. I'm not really sure if they're meant to be re-used or not.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Ohio
My son keeps about 20 pairs of them, all different lengths. He reuses them.
He has never broken one, and for a 19 year old mud head, that's amazing.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
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
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 0
From: Fl
Can I ask why? As long as there was no damage to them or the threads arent bummed up what is the issue?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 840
Likes: 1
From: Poquoson Va.
to me. We reuse hardware all the time after inspection of parts for weapons of mass destruction.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 840
Likes: 1
From: Poquoson Va.
I had to know why. I had my 9 inch in and out of my 66 Fairlane like 4 times and always used the same old hardware. I guess I was living on the edge.
Bolt Science Web Site
Bolt Science Web Site
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Ohio
It's hard for me to believe the elastic stress in these bolts has been exceeded by one installation. Unless it goes into ultimate stress levels, it will be just as strong the second time around. But, what do I know, I got a "D" in Strength of Materials lab.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 32
From: southwest pa
my guess wouldnt be that it weakens the bolt, id be worried about it coming loose. bolts are designed to offer certain clamping power at a certain torque. you would have to put more tourque on a bolt to get the same clamping power. i think i worded that right, the egg nog is strong tonight.