I have a 95 2500 CTD 4x4 and the time has come to replace the front unit bearings. Of course the 4 stock bolts are rusted so badly on each hub they will need replacing. Is there a source other than the local dealer, who wants $18.00 plus change apiece? I searched Rock Auto, but could not find them. Thanks, Rick

 

are these them
http://quad4x4.com/Dodge%20Frt%20Axl...ng.htm#OPTIONS

 

You could just go buy some 12.9 14mm bolts to replace them. Thats what what holds my EMS spindles on, and they haven't fallen off yet.

 

Aren't 12 point headed bolts similar and special like head bolts?
Designed to stretch so they hold their torque and not hardened so they snap with lateral (sideways) force.

Back before I knew better I always thought that by using grade 8 bolts on everything I couldn't go wrong.
Found out the hard way this isn't always true because harder bolts are more designed to hold things tight together but snap easier than softer bolts with lateral force.

 

Thanks for all the help. I was able to clean the head of one bolt enough to make out the grade marking on the head, which is 10.9 on my bolts. I contacted our bolt supplier at work, he lists them for $5.25 a piece. With our substantial discount, they are $1.67 a piece ( hex head rather than 12 point ). Quite a differance than the Dodge dealer, however I will likely need a similar grade flat washer under the head to increase the " clamping " area. Infidel you are correct in your comment re the bolt grades. I have been told gr 8 bolts have a higher tensile strength, than gr 5, but are more brittle, so may not like sudden shear forces ( or tensile for that matter ) applied to it. Bolts used in structural steel erection for example, are often an A325 bolt, ( ASTM design, rather than an SAE design ) which I have been told are very similar to a grade 5 in strength, but head and nut dimensions are slightly different . Thanks again for the help, Rick