D44 u-bolt confusion/concern

[mrk5]

I did some searching and now I'm more confused.

Apparently older D44s have 2.75" diameter tubes, and the new D44s & 10b are 3". I'm swapping in an older D44 in place of the new version I have now (because of gear ratio).

I have new u-bolts, but they are 3". I'm wondering if it will be okay with the 2.75" tubes.

Or if I had 2.75" u-bolts made, would they work with my spring plates.

I noticed Tuff Country lists the same front u-bolt kit for 69-87 1/2tons.

Basically I'm wondering what opinions there are about using the 3" u-bolts on the 2.75" tubes.

I would rather not have to get 2.75" u-bolts made now. Especially since I was planning to do the swap this weekend.

EDIT: I am aware that one of the u-bolts will be 3.5" where it is next to the housing.

 

[Muddytazz]

You are correct on the size difference, the tube size changed with the design change. Don't know about running the 3" on the 2.75 tube tho.

 

[73k5blazer]

No. You need the 2.75" ubolts. Go find a medium duty or OTR truck parts store/dealer, they carry ubolts in stock in almost any size. It would be dangerous to use oversize u-bolts.
I would think you'd need the proper top plates as well.
Skyjacker listed the same thing when I bought my lift from them. When I called them to tell 'em the u-bolts were the wrong size they said "oh, you have one of those older rigs, we'll send you out the right u-bolts"
Gee..thanks....how about asking that question WHEN I CALLED TO ORDER!

 

[divorced]

*Disclaimer: I am, by no means expressed or implied, suggesting any of the following information is safe.*

Now, with that said, 1/4" difference in u-bolts is only a 1/8" difference on each side of the tube. I would run them if it were mine.

 

[mrk5]

No. You need the 2.75" ubolts. Go find a medium duty or OTR truck parts store/dealer, they carry ubolts in stock in almost any size. It would be dangerous to use oversize u-bolts.
I would think you'd need the proper top plates as well.
Skyjacker listed the same thing when I bought my lift from them. When I called them to tell 'em the u-bolts were the wrong size they said "oh, you have one of those older rigs, we'll send you out the right u-bolts"
Gee..thanks....how about asking that question WHEN I CALLED TO ORDER!

That's what I was afraid of.

*Disclaimer: I am, by no means expressed or implied, suggesting any of the following information is safe.*

Now, with that said, 1/4" difference in u-bolts is only a 1/8" difference on each side of the tube. I would run them if it were mine.

That's what I'm hoping is the consensus.

Guess I'll see if I get any more opinions.

 

[marv_springer]

I have new u-bolts, but they are 3". I'm wondering if it will be okay with the 2.75" tubes.

I wouldn't be afraid of doing it on a temporary basis to drive down to get the right ones.... but I wouldn't go wheelin' w/ it like that.

Marv

 

[sweetk30]

2 problems to see. 1 is might strech tighter but run out of threads to become tight. 2 is might keep getting loose and need to retighten 2-3 times. so with that said i almost lost a front axle one time at 60 mph from bad ubolts and it wasnt fun at all. if i was to have a problem with a axle i sure wouldnt want it with the front axle.

 

[mrk5]

Thanks for the input guys.

I've decided I will have 2.75" u-bolts made, and I'm going to the JY first thing tomorrow morning to get the correct spring plates.

I'm glad I at least figured this out before tomorrow morning when I already had the old axle out and was trying to bolt the new one in.

Like sweetk30 said, I hate to have problems with the front axle.

 

[Chaddy]

I'd run 'em.....but thats me.