U bolt size - d44 vs. 10 bolt

[Lotsa_Faith]

Installed my 8 lug front this evening and it seems like the U Bolts from my 10 bolt are a little wider on this axle...what size do I need for a dana 44?

Also, my passenger side 4" lift spring has a leaf cracked, on of the ones in the middle of the stack...this isn't something I can get away without replacing is it? If so I'll just go to 6" springs, which will better fit the 37s anyways.

 

[USSkoval]

Replace the springs and get new U-bolts. Slightly too big is OK, but reusing them is not.

 

[82355]

I've reused many U-bolts.

Martin

 

[JDNobodi]

Dana 44 came with two sizes of axle tubes. I think it is 76 or 77 when the dana 44 came with the 3" axle tube. Pre 76 came with the smaller axle tube. Even though I have a early model Dana 44 on my blazer, the size of the axle tube escape me.

 

[79bonanza]

ive always been told u-bolts are torque to yeld, but i wouldnt be against reusing them but im not daily driving my truck

 

[vortec]

i reused my u-bolts when i installed my lift kit. yeah i know i shouldn't supposedly but they have survived about 15K miles of street driving, several offroad excursions and even getting slammed in the side...including the rear wheel taking a direct hit hard enough to bend the axle shaft. i'm not saying it's the "right" way but it can work out totally fine.

 

[USSkoval]

I will reuse them IF they are on the rear and IF they are in good shape. I always replace them on the front.