I have a new set of leaf spings that I am gonna be putting in my truck sometime soon. Before I get into it I was wondering if anyone knew if the nuts on the u-bolts were metric or standard. I am hoping they aren't metric because here at school my metric tools are limited. Also when I remove the original u-bolts how recommended is it to replace them? Or is it cool to just use the originals over again.

 

I've used the same bolts over again, but just when I'm driving to go get some new ones. It's better to replace them everytime. I got some grade 8's (4 of them with washers and nuts) at Vatozone for $26.00. I believe the size is 16mm or 17mm.

 

I don't believe they are metric threads though. Rangers are 7/16" u-bolts and F-150's and FX4's are 1/2" thread, if I'm recalling correctly. Or Rangers are 1/2" and F-150's 9/19"...dang, gotta' look that up now.

 

Hmm, I swear I used a 17mm on mine, but I'm not positive.

 

So I guess the concensus is I should replace them.

 

That's close to an SAE size nut. Don't you find often there are certain sizes you can use a metric and SAE equally well on? You probably did use a 17mm so don't second guess yourself, lol!

And Luke: it's standard procedure to replace them -- but I reused mine before. I think if you're running big power it's better to do so especially. Better safe than sorry I always say -- but I don't listen to myself...

Since I've replace the 28 spline axle with the larger 31 spline I put new u-bolts on and haven't removed them -- so it's academic. The extra long, thicker ones cost enough though that I really don't WANT to buy them again, lol.

 

If I can get em off without breaking them I will porbably just reuse mine till I get home for break and am working again. I don't really abuse my truck that much. And the only wheeling I plan on doing is a weekend in Centralia.

 

If it's mostly street then you'll be fine, but if you beat your truck up then replace them.

 

I will replace them, but probably not right away.

 

I will settle this right now......wheres my micrometers.......brb

 

well I measured it to be .718 inches thats the best I could do laying on the ground in the parking lot. This means 11/16 will be too small and unless you have a 23/32 socket you will have to move to a 3/4 which will be .032 inches too large. This also means that 18mm is too small and a 19mm is .030 inches too big. I guess I will have to say it should be an 18mm and just rust and corrosion threw it off by .009 inches.

I just took a test that ended at 9 so I really don't feel like doing anything productive now....lol

 

Seems to me I remember having to use a 21mm socket to remove the nuts on my U-bolts.. Although there is some suspicion in my mind that I have different sized nuts on the U-bolts on my FX4 LII packaged truck. Everything I read suggested I'd need a 19mm.. which happened to be the largest socket I had. I found myself in the middle of my traction bar install and needing a proper sized wrench. I found a 7/8 inch wrench in my boss' machine shop at work.. I found that was a comfortable (although loose) fit. I have since purchased a larger size socket set. The 21mm was a far better fit.

I've never heard anyone suggest you have to replace U-bolts after a single use before. I reused the bolts, the nuts, and all the hardware when I installed my traction bars.

 

I am gonna resurect this old post for the moment. Can anyone tell me what size u-bolts I need to buy. I have an 8.8 axle and putting on the standard edge springs. None of the parts dealers around here can tell me what size I need. Thanks again

 

You can go to Autozone and get some of their grade 8 bolts with all the hardware for around $25. Be sure to measure the threads though to see if it will work.

 

Yeah I know what I need I just need to know what sizes. Like the length and such of the U-bolts.

 

I just added a spring to my 2003 xlt and there was plenty of u-bolt left afterwards for the nut to completely set. Unless you have the edge lift blocks, your length should be fine.

 

Your Huckleberry is here. I just measured. 3-1/2" wide x 9" tall is what my 4x4 u-bolts measure. Keep in mind this includes 2-1/2" of lift block. I brought two sockets with me- 11/16" is definately too small a socket. 18MM fit.

 

Yeah I have the 4x4 with blocks too. I just needed to know the size so I could get new ones. I am replacing my springs but my u-bolts are as old as the truck (2000) so the consensus is I need to replace them when swapping springs. since you just had yours apart do you happen to know what size bolts held the spings to the frame? It just occured to me what Slitfire was talking about and I need to replace those too. Hell I will most likely break em getting em off huh.

 

On the spring to frame, I am pretty sure the socket size was the same as my lug nuts. That is all I remember. I was impressed that the nut had a clip to keep it from spinning. When I did the same on an s-10 I had to grip both sides. The Ranger went very easy.

I got my stuff from atlas spring. I think they are a national chain. They custom cut the extra spring for me. They also sold me the center spring bolts. They opened a big manual and looked up the data. I would make a run there and let them sell you everything you need. They will make sure you get proper sizes, hardnesses, etc. If i didn't get it from somewhere like that, I would rather use the old rusty stuff than buy a junk bolt from Home Depot and have it break on me. Another option is the dealer. They can look up these bolts and get them to you in a day or two. I guess if you don't buy it from someone who knows these questions you are asking, you are probably at the wrong place buying it.

 

well if I can find out the proper size I can get it all in grade 8 hardware. Thats not a problem. I just need the specs before I go breaking the old stuff off.

 

The nuts are 12mmx1.75, I just picked up some after John gave me my old blocks and u bolts. I though they were 1/2x13, but they are in fact metric!

Edit:...I see you are asking for other stuff, but the I answered for the OEM stuff!

 

Yes, you do have bigger ones. As I ended up with as well when I put an FX4 LII axle on.