Stupid U Nuts/Speed Nuts
 

Not really sure what they are truly called, but anyway, I'm finally getting around to raising my rear bumper to get rid of that ugly gap due to the body lift. Well anyhow, last night in the process of taking off the bolts that are holding the bumper on, I sheared two of those stupid u nuts right off, but not enough for the bolt to fall out. Just enough so it's stuck there. Basically the round threaded part just snapped outta of the little c part that sits around the metal. So the c part is stuck cause the bolts in it, and the bolt is stuck because the threaded part just spins on the bolt. I'm going to grind the bastard out tomorrow (softball tonight), was just too frustrated last night.

This is a u-nut for those that don't know what I'm talking about. (U NUT )

2 questions.

1) Does anyone know a reason why they use these u bolts? I mean other then you don't have to have a wrench on the nut as well, is there some purpose?

2) Anyone see any reason why not to just us a grade 8 bolt and lock nut? I went down to the local fastenal today and the biggest u-nut they had was 3/8" and the one I have is a 1/2". Plus even the 3/8 were like 2 bucks a pop I think. Can only imagine what a dealership would charge.

Anyway, just thought I'd ask since not seeing a real point to them right now, plus I'm just kind of irritated that even after dousing them in PB Blaster they still snapped the second I put the breaker bar on them. Anyway, probably just end up using regular grade 8 bolts with a locknut, so this is turning more into a rant. So I'll stop. Later fellas!

Those are called "stupid C nuts", "F*#$ing catch clips" and "darn clips" also.

I think I went at those bolts with my little impact gun & half a can of wd-40 and they finally broke loose.

I removed my bumper & installed a fiber/resin roll pan on my '96 and I had a custom "bar thing" welded up so I could bolt it back into the factory bumper bracket holes.

I wanted some extra METAL back there in case some A-hole slams into the back of my truck.

Seems like I went to the local hardware store & got a handful of the strongest bolts (with nuts, washers & lock washers) they had & went about my merry way.

The only issues I have is 1) with no bumper and no hitch, I can't haul a trailer or anything unless I have a hitch bracket welded to the bar. 2) there's no room for a spare tire with the bar & custom exhaust.