scooter122983
1/2 ton status
Anybody know what the size is for the steering box bolts. I need to replace one and have no idea what size I need. Its an 87 K5 with just the stock steering box, no brace.
CK5
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Steering Box Bolt Size
- Thread starter scooter122983
- Start date
Well, first observation is that you should have the bolt-in steering brace even for a stock truck.
That said, they should be 7/16" coarse thread. My truck has the brace (hint hint
) so I'd hafta guess on length, but for you it just has to go through the frame into the box, so maybe 1.5" or 2" long? Just make sure you get ones with threads all the way up, without a shank.
-- A
That said, they should be 7/16" coarse thread. My truck has the brace (hint hint
) so I'd hafta guess on length, but for you it just has to go through the frame into the box, so maybe 1.5" or 2" long? Just make sure you get ones with threads all the way up, without a shank.-- A
scooter122983
1/2 ton status
Thanks I'll replace the bolts and look into getting the brace.
Fully threaded bolts are often referred to as tap bolts. I learned that factoid about a month ago.....
-G
scooter122983
1/2 ton status
Well I bought the 1 1/2" bolts because the 2" ones had a shank. Well I shoulda got the 2" ones GM uses a spacer between the bolt and the frame and the shank is short enough to not matter. The 1 1/2" is too short so I didn't utilize the spacer which is probably used to put the bolts in a easily removable spot.
The spacer might also help keep the bolts perpendicular to the frame surface, maybe was GM's attempt at preventing them from wiggling.
The frame brace has similar, though IIRC longer, bits of tube on the end.
(And sorry I guessed wrong
)-- A
scooter122983
1/2 ton status
Thinking about it I may go get the 2" bolts put the spacers in, then with how much they stick out on the opposite side I will add a nut to lock the bolts. I will be getting the brace though and since my truck has only been a city dweller I don't have any cracks on the frame yet.
I always use longer bolts and put nuts on the back side of them. Helps keep them from coming loose.
I also put braces on mine
. Was checking my dd (which didn't have a brace due to laziness) for a noise during steering a couple days ago. Noticed the whole frame flexing back and forth when turning the wheel. Bolted the brace on that was laying in my shop and no more noise. Drives a little better too.
I also put braces on mine
. Was checking my dd (which didn't have a brace due to laziness) for a noise during steering a couple days ago. Noticed the whole frame flexing back and forth when turning the wheel. Bolted the brace on that was laying in my shop and no more noise. Drives a little better too.
I always use longer bolts and put nuts on the back side of them. Helps keep them from coming loose.
I also put braces on mine
Winner winner chicken dinner!!
3 of the bolts go all the way through and can accept lock nuts. Great insurance.
Winner winner chicken dinner!!
3 of the bolts go all the way through and can accept lock nuts. Great insurance.
You mean like nylocks, or a lock washer/nut combo?
-- A
Locking nuts are your best bet.
Yep, like that ^^
"Stover" nuts
"Stover" nuts
scooter122983
1/2 ton status
Thats exactly what I was planning on doing.
The spacer lets you run a longer bolt, which gets more stretch and clamps better.
What length is best to accept the locking nut? Also will that same length work with ORD bolt on brace or longer is needed in the situation?Winner winner chicken dinner!!
3 of the bolts go all the way through and can accept lock nuts. Great insurance.
I do not remember how much longer I bought (I do have both the weld on and bolt on brackets). When are you putting yours together? I bought a reman steering box to put on mine (leaking bad) so I'll have it apart to measure but it'll be a week or 2 as I'm headed out of town this weekend.
Only 3 go through... @Wes Harden says 4
Haha
Haha
4
