reusing suspension hardware

[got2haul]

I've read in several places that it's not a good idea to reuse u-bolts when making mods to your rear leaf spring suspension.  The argument makes sense to me.  But what about the u-bolt nuts?  Is it safe to use new u-bolts but reuse the old nuts? 

[Captkaos]

honestly, if you are going to the trouble of getting new bolts, why not get new nuts to go with them?

[HAULIN IT]

I'm sure you will get varying opinions on this, here's my take.... I prefer OEM bolts, nuts, ect. I would rather re-use old (in good condition) hardware than cheap soft U-bolts from a spring shop, local auto parts store, ect. When I'm playing with leaf springs, I buy new bolts & nuts from the dealer (if what I'm doing is available) however I don't always put them on the first time together, in case I don't like how something is sitting. Once I'm pretty much happy I change them out one at a time, then re-tighten them all. Many, many vehicles have been apart & together too many times to count with old U-bolts, to each his own, Lorne

[VileZambonie]

The spring shop around here sells way nicer U-bolts than the OEM ones. I always replace them unless they are fairly new.

[eventhorizon66]

I'm with Haulin' It on this one, mainly because I don't know of a local place that sells decent hardware.  Home Depot, Lowes, and Ace are worthless when it comes to high strength hardware.

[VileZambonie]

Just be careful and make sure they are still good. A lot of times they will look ok and at a closer look you will notice that a portion of the threads is missing. Also many are stretched into yield and can never provide the same clamping force as when they are new and properly torqued. Haulinit makes a good point of mocking it up before actually torquing the bolts.

http://www.eatonsprings.com/ubolttorques.htm

[Blazin]

100% new U bolts and hardware for final assembly. U bolts are stretched when they are torqued just like a regular bolt. I also agree that any spring shop around sells much better hardware than OEM ever was.

[HAULIN IT]

Vile, That is exactly what I found virtually every time with the ones from the local spring shop (actually Two different shops) it seems as though the metal was softer & would pull slightly right where the nut was the time before. At a glance everything looks normal, a closer look or running the nut down revealed the U-bolts had stretched. I just finished my rear swap last night, took some pictures. I'll post them when I get a few moments. Lorne

[got2haul]

Ok, Ok.  I bought new grade 8 nylock nuts to go with the new OEM u-bolts.  I am going to reuse the washers, though.  They're grade 8 and only a year and a half old.

[werewolfx13]

I work at Westlake/ACE hardware, any ACE store can order grade 8 U-bolts...Some Westlake stores can order grade 8 strength stainless bolts and u bolts..mine can't, unfortunately 

[Blazin]

The local hardware store near me, and both lumber company's carry grade 8 hardware in stock up to 5/8".

[SUX2BU99]

Does anybody know off-hand what the dimensions of the u-bolts and threads are?

[VileZambonie]

It depends on your axle, and the # of leafs. Just match up your old ones if you've got em.

[SUX2BU99]

Alrighty, I was just here at work and figured I'd look around on the 'net but I have them at home to measure them up.  I'll phone the dealer too to see if they got any OEM ones kicking around.

[Blazin]

Hight depends on your axle tube diameter, 1/2, 3/4, or 1 ton are different diameter axle tubes, also the number of leaves you have.
Width is known as ID, this also depends on your axle tube diameter. You will need to measure from inside to inside of the old U bolt.
As far as the size bolt, it is called wire size at the shops i have them made. That too you will need to meassure. Most spring shops can do this by make and model but also want to know what your meassurements are as well.