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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: 78 Chevyrado on May 24, 2010, 05:35:47 pm

Title: U bolts
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on May 24, 2010, 05:35:47 pm
I'm going to need new U-bolts for my rear leaf springs.   The inside measurement (width)  of mine are 3-3/8"  All I can find on the internet is a 3-1/2" width.  Can I use these?   the stockers are 3-3/8"  and the u-bolts that came with the lift kit are also 3-3/8"    I need some custom length u-bolts because I have lift blocks and the u-bolts I have now are just a tad shorter than I'd like them to be.

I don't think it would be good to use the 3-1/2" ubolts...  that doesn't sound right, but I cannot find 3-3/8" anywhere...   anybody have any links?


Thanks guys
Title: Re: U bolts
Post by: beastie_3 on May 24, 2010, 05:43:42 pm
Check around local shops, they can custom make them on the spot.
Title: Re: U bolts
Post by: heavychevy91 on May 24, 2010, 05:45:55 pm
Check around local shops, they can custom make them on the spot.
x2 just bring the plate in and the length you need. usually theyre better quality than cheapo parts store ones
Title: Re: U bolts
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on May 24, 2010, 06:38:04 pm
I'd like to, but for some reason specialty shops are all like 30 miles away from my house, and for the time being im grandads full time caregiver, so I don't get but a couple of hours off each week, it's a 24/7 deal right now.   That's a big reason I'm gonna buy a short block for my engine instead of doing the whole machine shop thing on my old one....   I'm stuck here for a while so the Internets kinda my only link to the outside.   I can work on the truck when hes on the porch, but i cant go anywhere as he cant....
Title: Re: U bolts
Post by: Wardog on May 29, 2010, 11:38:56 pm
I get mine from NAPA.  Provide them with dimensions or the original and they can usually have em there in a couple hours.
Title: Re: U bolts
Post by: Irish_Alley on May 29, 2010, 11:53:47 pm
i my u bolts that came with the lift kit were too big also but with a little bit of squeezing i got them to fit they were about 1/2" too wide for the spring plate haven't had any problems took them off a couple times since then and no signs of wear
Title: Re: U bolts
Post by: Mtrhd329 on July 12, 2010, 11:06:09 am
x2 on the local shops.  I had some made while i bs'ed with the guy about a desert car he was building in about 10 minutes and only set me back about $50.  Of course i was putting in a 14 bolt which have larger bolts.  Most auto parts stores have the cheapo lift kit u bolts that fit the 12 bolt but they look pretty flimsy to me.