U Bolts on Front

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Mar 11, 2009 | 07:39 PM

JethroF250

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U Bolts on Front

i think i'm doin my leveling kit this weekend. is there torque specs for the u bolts on the springs? and will the stock u bolts work?

Mar 11, 2009 | 07:46 PM

pjwoolw

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From: San Ramon Ca.

Probably shouldn't use the old u-bolts. What kit? Below is what I have for the 97.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Front
Front Spring to Axle U-Bolt 113-153 Nm (83-113 ft. lbs.)
Front Spring Shackle to Frame 170-230 Nm (125-170 ft. lbs.)
Front Spring to Shackle 149-201 Nm (110-148 ft. lbs.)
Rear
Leaf Spring-to-Axle U-Bolt Nut 192-258 Nm (142-190 ft. lbs.)
Leaf Spring-to-Front Bracket Nut and Bolt 192-258 Nm (142-190 ft. lbs.)
Leaf Spring-to-Rear Shackle Nut and Bolt 113-153 Nm (83-113 ft. lbs.)
Rear Shackle-to-Frame Nut and Bolt 77-103 Nm (57-75 ft. lbs.)

Mar 11, 2009 | 08:38 PM

Oversize

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Joined: Feb 2009

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From: Denver CO

You really cant reuse u bolts and trust them theve been stressed and wont properly torque properly. I d replace them, dont forget to recheck the torques after acouple hundred miles about 4 times as the bolts will stretch some.

Mar 11, 2009 | 08:48 PM

97biostroke

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From: Gifford, IL

Gettin the u-bolts off can be quite fun. Mine wouldnt go with a good impact gun, so i put the "hot wrench" on em. Took all of 3 minutes to get em all off with a good torch.

Mar 11, 2009 | 08:53 PM

Oversize

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Joined: Feb 2009

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From: Denver CO

That or a die grinder with a cut off wheel works great too. just zip through em, but if your gonna try to unscrew em be prepared for fun they're usually rusted on and the threads arent usually in too good of condition, yet another reason not to try to reuse them. Good luck.

Mar 11, 2009 | 08:59 PM

tjbeggs

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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI

I've reused lots of u-bolts. Never and issue. Crank them down with a good 1/2 impact till they won't move any more. Then recheck them in a few days.

Mar 11, 2009 | 09:49 PM

FARM69

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From: Kearney, Nebr

I reused my u-bolts when I added leafs to the front. I didn't have any problems getting them loose with a 3/4 inch impact. I tightened them down and confirmed them after a few hundred miles as well.

Plasma torch works wonders on old stubborn rusted bolts. We never get the ol hot wrench out unless we need to salvage/reuse.