Ok so the back bracket on the pass side leaf spring went on my truck. As this happened I figure its time to just go ahead and do a few mods here. After some research I've found the axle tube to be 3.25" so I'll need u bolts for that, along with that I need new plates I'm guessing as the ones I had on there where from my 7.5" and doubt they will fit again. Don't ask how I got them on but I did. So far I figure I'll need these parts:

shackel - $50
bolts and nuts - $5
leaf spring bracket - $25
bushing for leaf spring - $9
u bolt - ??
u bolt plate - ??

I also need shocks and brake pads but those are easy to get.

 

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plates will be the same for 8.8 and 7.5, pretty sure both tubes are the same diameter (7.5 and 28 spline 8.8)

Should get new u bolts made anyway, find a good spring and chassis shop, they can make them on the spot for 25-40 bucks.

 

Well I don't have a shop like that around here. I just want to get the right u bolts and plates. I have an explorer axle which I believe is 3.5" so I'll need u bolts for that and do I need u bolt plates or do they work with both?

 

No, the 31 spline tube is bigger than the 28 spline 8.8. You will need new plates.

Check your white pages, I was surprised to have a shop in PA, NY, and VT in all three towns that I lived in. It's pretty common for a big truck shop to fab the u bolts on the spot for cheap.

 

Well can anyone point to one online so I can order it as I won't have time to go to a shop during the week and just need plates and u bolts.

 

RockAuto Auto Parts

 

Alright I found the u bolts but now how about the plates...

 

bump...come on 1 more part left that I need and I should be good. Just need to locate u bolt plates if I can't use the stock ones.