• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Leaf spring U bolts?

74charger07ram

Well-Known Member
Local time
2:07 AM
Joined
Aug 14, 2013
Messages
417
Reaction score
108
Location
Weatherford Texas
Should I replace the U bolts when I rebuild the leaf springs on my 74 Charger? One thing: I bought a complete rear sway bar and it had U bolts with it. Story on the rear sway bar was it came off a 74 Sat. back in mid 80's and was in garage until I bought it in Dec. They look good with little surface rust and threads look good. Thanks
 
people do re use them with no issues

that said,they are a interference part
meaning that the threads are cut into the u bolt by the nut when first installed.
i worked for a trucking outfit that would always just cut them off
because they would always replace them.
they didn't want to even take a chance of them loosening up.
personally,i toss them in the scrap pile
no matter what they look like and get new ones.
 
There are two sides to the argument and both have merit. I have reused u bolts without issue. As long as your threads are still good I don't see an issue. Some nuts are dimpled to make them fit tight and can ruin threads. The torque spec on them is relatively low, around 45 ft/lbs if I remember correctly.
 
Should I replace the U bolts when I rebuild the leaf springs on my 74 Charger? One thing: I bought a complete rear sway bar and it had U bolts with it. Story on the rear sway bar was it came off a 74 Sat. back in mid 80's and was in garage until I bought it in Dec. They look good with little surface rust and threads look good. Thanks

Yes. Replace it all - shackles, bolts, bushings, nuts, washers - not that expensive.
 
I suggest this type U bolts with the flat inside and X patterns to correctly hold you rear end.
41iK2ufB5AL.jpg

The round ones will just dent in your axle tubes then let the rear end move around a little inside the U bolts.
 
good looking u bolts lelo
you can double nut the originals
 
I have new shakles and bolts. Need new bolt for the hanger brackets. I did notice that the nuts on the U bolts were very loose or easy to thread on and off. Should I replace the bolts for the trans and torsion bar crossmembers? Any suggestions where to find these bolts. Thanks
 
I have new shakles and bolts. Need new bolt for the hanger brackets. I did notice that the nuts on the U bolts were very loose or easy to thread on and off. Should I replace the bolts for the trans and torsion bar crossmembers? Any suggestions where to find these bolts. Thanks

I'm really conservative when it comes to 50 year old parts that need to protect my investment and myself. If you are taking that stuff apart to replace trans mount or such, replace them. When we built our Nova race car, the only original bolts left are the 6 body bushing bolts. New bushings, though. Check out AMK fasteners.
 
On my Dana 60 I run 5/8’s u bolts but the tubes are 3/8” thick.
 
I suggest this type U bolts with the flat inside and X patterns to correctly hold you rear end. View attachment 591027
The round ones will just dent in your axle tubes then let the rear end move around a little inside the U bolts.

That is the type I have now. I can't seem to find any for sale. I went to AMK site but they didn't have any.
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top