I just added a leaf but have yet to put the axle back on the springs. The U-bolt nuts were too rusty and got stripped when taking them off. Now I need new ones:

Can I use 2-5/8" rather than 2.5", or will there be too much movement?
What if I just welded a bead going down the inside to widen the span by 1/8"?

If not, can I use the u-bolt kit for the rear of an 85 and udner because I can not find a stock size decient one for 86 up?
Also from toyota they are 26bucks eeach.

please give me options beucase I need to put this axle back on stat.

Thanks,
AK

 

Ummmm - dude do you really want this to fail? The heat from welding will destroy the strength of the bolt (and probably deform the threads). I think $26/ea is a whole lot cheaper than losing the axle at 60 MPH...

Just my $0.02 - this is not an item to scrimp on.

 

$26 for u-bolts is rediculous. i'd try one of the aftermarket guys like sky manufacturing. i bought my flip kits(4 u-bolts each with hardware and plates) for $50 each.

 

Ok so I lied.
The NAPA guy was confused and was looking for 5/8" thread instead of 1/2", and we found decient bolts I think, I'll find out tomorrow when they come in. They are 1/2" thread, 2.5" spread and 7.75" long I believe, and are $10.50 each. The u-bolt flip kit would be sweet but I want a quick fix and dont want to/or know how to relocate my shocks yet.

And I just got my welder this week and am learning to use it now, and today after writing that I realized it would kill the strength of the steel. I am just getting an understanding of metalworking and strenghts etc.

So after these add-a-leafs, the back should be about 2.5" higher and I am goign to do a torsion bar crank to get the front up about 1.5". So this should be sweet and I am pretty excited about my budget lift.

Thanks for the help,
AK

 

If you have a Fleet Pride http://www.fleetpride.com/ near you they will make custom U-bolts just about any size. They are bent in a huge press out of grade 8 studs. Yeah don't weld on any bolt especially a U-bolt that holds your rear axle on.

 

Keep an eye on the 1/2" u-bolts, they'll be fine for a while but they can fail over time. I've seen a few 1/2" bolts break and I had one strip out on me on the trail. Stockers are 14mm (9/16") and I run 5/8" on my truck. If you are planning to eventually do a u-bolt flip, that would be a good time to upgrade.