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Keep losing my nuts...

I have 1/2" spacers below the frame...all grade 5 hardware currently. I did have some pretty used bolts and nuts in that location though. I'm thinking that was part of the problem.

We'll see how it goes I guess. I can always add lock-tite later if this proves to still be a problem.

Rene
 
Sounds terrible, but after you tighten it up, you could f*** up the threads with a chisel. If you need to get it off again, an impact gun will force the nut off. You just wouldn`t want to reuse them.
 
tRustyK5 said:
Unfortunately I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for tonight. They had 7/16" bolts, but only in fine thread (which is better IMO) but the only locking nuts they had were all coarse thread. :crazy: So i used lock washers instead.

Rene
Click to expand...
Sounds like you went to Lowe's. :confused:
 
I had/have this problem too, I just figured it was because one hole on each side was wallowed out a bit and the nut just wasn't "seating" very well. No spacers.

Got to the point where I could tell under acceleration from a stop that they had started to come loose again. (could hear it) Brand new grade 8's, lock washers, flat washers, etc.

Glad to know it wasn't the bolt holes. I wonder if it's something to do with extra vibration or something..either me not lining up the output shaft perfect, or the fact that the tranny mounts were in pretty poor shape.

I thought I torqued them down pretty good originall, if it continues to happen (new crossmember holes) I guess I'll just try an impact on it, and if that doesn't work, I'll use two nuts and see if that holds.
 
LOL, I went to Homo Depot. :)

They actually have a pretty good selection of fasteners, so i was somewhat surprised I couldn't find what i wanted. They have a section of grade 8 stuff, but only had 3/8" or 1/2" and no prevailing torque nuts.

Oh well, they're not steering studs...and I only spent $4.50.

Rene
 
I detest split lock washers. Think about how they're supposed to help, and then tell me that they actually do work that way. If they are called into play then the joint has already failed. And they have a nasty tendency to open up or break, which CREATES the looseness that allows the nuts to wander off.

I'm not alone either: http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=114051&page=1

Lock-tite, Nylox (good for 1-2 re-uses then pitch them), or crimp nuts (Stover, Grade 'C', 'Jet-Nut', etc. [one time only use]) are better plans.
 
I agree on lock washers...only used them because it was better than nothing at the time.

Rene
 
My 74 had the same problem...

My 74 K20 must have either snapped off or stretched about 10 bolts in the crossmember the T-case sits on(the "foot" mount")--it might be because it never had the other brackets that went to the upper frame rail lip,only the 4 bolts on the crossmember itself--I was using grade 8 bolts,3/8 inch...every time I was under the truck changing the oil,I'd see a bolt missing,or a loose one,and it would snap as soon as I tried to tighten it,like it was half sheared off....

Not wanting the T-case to fall off while plowing,I figured I had to do something--the 3/8 bolts were not cutting it,so I went to my hardware drawers and found 4 half inch bolts,--I had to ream the holes out slightly in the frame to let them go thru,but not very much-

-I think the 3/8 bolts were "sloppy" in the holes,and that let things shift,and shear them off when the frame flexed..I had to use a drift punch to line up the holes,and put in the 1/2 inch bolts,and used nylock nuts on them(which did nothing to help the 3/8 bolts,because they were stretching,not loosening)..

I'm fighting to take those 1/2 inch bolts OFF now,to remove the T-case,and they are as tight as the day I put them in,plus rusty!--all the abuse I gave the truck since failed to shear or loosen the 1/2 inch bolts,and I think they were only grade 2,no marks on the heads.. :blush: So I'd say use larger bolts,and no lockwashers--I've had no luck with the "split" type either--I use star washers,locktite,or a quick ZAP with the arc welder to keep my nuts on!.. :crazy:
 
Were they NEW lock washers????
Crushed used ones...have come loose for me... :crazy:
 
I have no idea what you guys are talking about... my nuts are always nice and tight... Yes, I have washers on them...
 
A toplock nut should solve the problem. Some toplocks can be re-used, we use Lawson hardware and they spec the same torque for 5 uses. For critical stuff we usually use new when replacing anyway but it's comforting when your in the field knowing that it's OK to re-use a nut when you have to anyway.
Proper torque is always a good idea, look up a torque spec for your hardware and use it. Then if it comes loose you know you have the wrong hardware and need to change size, grade or configuration.
 
Split ones suck!

I've had more than one "split" lockwasher do exactly that while I'm tightening the bolt--it "splits" right in half!!--had it happen with used, and brand new ones too.... :angry1:-- must be made in china! :crazy:
 
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