CK5
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Reuse U-bolts
- Thread starter IDGMC
- Start date
u can reuse them if they arent that old. over a couple years old, id get new ones, but you should be ok
broc944
1/2 ton status
Spend the $20 and get new ones. When in doubt, throw it out.
orangeGMC
1/2 ton status
where's a good place to get new ones?
buy new ones
1985_K5_Silverado
1/2 ton status
I think AutoZone has leaf spring/axle u-bolts for about 15 bucks per pair.
stallion85
1/2 ton status
Another thing to think about is when you buy new U bolts I would make sure there is enough thread to maybe install a 0 rate in the future. A lot of guys cut the threads off or get them just tall enough for there current springs and have to buy new ones down the road.....
i wouldnt try it. i almost lost a dana 60 with 38" tires on it one time.
and the auto zone ubolts are not great quallity let the ricers have them.
and the auto zone ubolts are not great quallity let the ricers have them.
Some older Dana 44 front axles have smaller diameter tubes and it will make a difference in your u-bolts. Measure the tubes and compare to the 10 bolts before you purchase. The 10 bolts all have the larger tubes ( thinner but larger ) but D44's vary in wall thickness and outer diameter over the years and applications.
Tom
Tom
tarussell said:
You read my mind
IMO, re-using u-bolts isn't a good idea. However, that doesn't stop me.
I've found the fine-thread u-bolts get messed up easily - whereas the coarse thread ones last better for repeat installations. Did I just say that? 
boots
1/2 ton status
Spicer will tell you not to reuse em, yes I've actually talked to them about it. California tow truck association will tell you the same thing. If we drop a drive shaft to tow a vehicle we refuse to put the shaft back in because we are not to reuse the straps or the bolt unless the parking brake is shaft mounted then we put a big note on the steering wheel for the mechanic to replace em. There was a write up in one of the Tow magazines about this a while back, course for us it our butt if something fails and we have put it back in
mrhoes
1/2 ton status
I tried to get some u bolts from my brothers welding teacher, and he made a big deal about that they should only be used once and then thrown in the scrap bin. As long as there is nothing wrong with them I just reuse u bolts.
I have reused u-bolts again, but they where pretty new to begin with. I am not going to put a new set of u-bolts on my truck, and then if I need to remove them to redo something a few days later, I am not going to throw them away. One thing I do is tap the threads before I put them on because the threads on u-bolts always get torn up a little when removing the nuts.
rwright07
1/2 ton status
i just got a set of 4 new 5/8 ubolts w/ hardware and spring center pins for 45 at my local spring shop
UD0MEILLD0U
Registered Member
I just did a 12 bolt to 14 bolt swap and was able to reuse everything but my old rims! =). My only question is what (or is there) is the torque setting for the u-bolts. My U-bolts nuts are 24mm's. Ya they are HUGE! My truck has 6inch superlift lift. Thanks!
Leper
1/2 ton status
Replace them. I keep a few old ones for trail spares.
G
goldwing2000
Guest
If you bought new ones when you did the lift 6 months ago and they are the same size as the ones you're going to need now, I don't see any reason you can't reuse them. U-bolts aren't torque-to-yield, so as long as they aren't damaged, you can reuse them.
Put a straight edge along the threads to make sure they're not stretched and you should be good to go.
Put a straight edge along the threads to make sure they're not stretched and you should be good to go.
