Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Need help finding the proper U Bolts..

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Old 07-14-2009
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Need help finding the proper U Bolts..

Currently working on getting rid of my stock 2" blocks on the rear axle - the problem is, you cant just remove them without having soem new ubolts as the threading isnt down far enough, and I would have like 6" of extra ubolt sticking out the top...


Would anyone happen to have a link for a proper set of ubolts that can fit a standard 8.8 rear axle, with just a leaf pack and no block?

Doing some searching, but it sort of boggles me a bit trying to sort through all the bolts...

Thanks ahead of time!
 
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Old 07-14-2009
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Look up a chassis or spring shop in your area. Usually they deal with big rigs, but they can make the u bolts on the spot to your specs. I've had two sets done by two different shops that way, much cheaper also. Usually runs about 20-30 bucks for all four with new nuts.

Take your old ones out and ask them to make them 2" shorter.
 
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Old 07-14-2009
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Yeah, the problem with my current ones - I'm pretty sure that once I remove the stock 2" block, there wont be enough thread going down to properly tighten it... take a peek at htis picture and you'll see what I mean:


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Not too sure if there will be low enough thread left to fully tighten down the leaf pack there once I remove that block.. I may be wrong perhaps, anyone able to chime in?
 
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Old 07-14-2009
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Originally Posted by WowMike2001
Yeah, the problem with my current ones - I'm pretty sure that once I remove the stock 2" block, there wont be enough thread going down to properly tighten it... take a peek at htis picture and you'll see what I mean:







Not too sure if there will be low enough thread left to fully tighten down the leaf pack there once I remove that block.. I may be wrong perhaps, anyone able to chime in?
There will not be. When I put Deavers in I took out the block, stock U bolts are not threaded enough. I was even dumb enough to try to thread further down with a die, don't even bother.

You really should replace used U bolts anyway as the torquing stretches them.....though I and many people have reused them in the past. Dman things are usually so rusted I cut/torch them off anyway.
 
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Old 07-14-2009
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I bought a set at a place called Truck & Trailer in Cleveland, TN, came with U-bolts, nuts & plates for $17 for 3" axle tubes.

You could always contact them & have em shipped to ya........

Truck 'n Trailers USA
2411 Georgetown Rd NW
Cleveland, TN 37311 Map
(423)614-0246
 
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Old 07-14-2009
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Hey, im getting some made up in a bigger diameter for when i do my 8.8 swap, there is a place in Portland that makes them for you. I'll let you know how they turn out. I've got a stock one for me (leaf straight on to axle tube) for them to measure up so it should be spot on.
 
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Old 07-14-2009
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Awesome - was just talkin to my dad a minute ago about it - he used to make trailers out of the rear bed/frames of trucks and has had to do tons of leaf kits and the like for teh axles - was tellin me the best place to get them is at machining shop/trailer specialists where they can custom make them for you for dirt cheap..


Let me know how it goes! I'll rock the 2" lift in the back for a while, but would like it back where it was sooner or later.. not too rushed on it =)
 
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Old 07-14-2009
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No problem, Shane got longer and bigger diamters ones made, i think they were $10 each?? it was pretty cheap imo. I'll let you know how it goes, going there tomorrow after work to order them.
 
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Old 07-14-2009
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There's a few places in Portland to get your bolts made at, Mike...and honestly...this sorta deal I'd rather stay local. I don't recall where I got mine done at, but I think it was Six Roblees or something like that on 212/224 in clackamas? idk. I think Six States Distributers on Columbia makes bolts too.
 
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