I finally got around to adding some leaves to my front springs today. It lifted the front about an inch and a half. It looks good and it drives good, so I am almost happy. The U bolts are too short . I don't have a full nut on any thing, even after removing the flat washers. Where might I find two 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 10 inch u bolts for the drivers side and one 1/2 x 4 x 10 inch u bolt for the passenger side? Two 9/16-18 grade 8 capscrews of proper length and lock washers took care of the studs. NAPA and Advance couldn't help. I think the original bolts are an alloy. They are harder than 1018 or A36. Most likely they might be A193-B7.

 

I'd love to hear of a source for u-bolts as well, as I added the later style lift blocks in the rear and re-used the old u-bolts, which I hear is a nono....

 

Check around your area for spring manufacturers. When I put in my 2" fronts I had to get new ones made, and they ran me about $7 or 8 a pop.

 

I had a set made while on a trip last summer in new Mexico at a spring shop, he did them in just a few minutes each. This was the shop. If you can't get them anywhere else give them a call, they were great to work with.


Hobbs Spring & Suspension Inc
(505) 393-3051

 

Wildhorses 4x4 (a Ford Early Bronco 4x4 supplier) sells some HD u bolt kits. I don't know if they are strictly for a Dana 44 axle? You might check out their web site at wildhorses4x4.com, and see what they have. I know alot of the Early Bronco crowd runs Dana 60 front axles. HTH!

 

go to ebay,and look under lift kits and parts. I found mine there,for 31.00 plus shiping.

 

I went there after trying to obtain them locally. Couldn't find any tha would fit. I even went to some of the "stores" and no luck. There is a trailer manufacture and retail center in Hampton, VA called Hibbard Iron Works. I will be dropping by there tomorrow. I have bought trailer items from them and thet have a high opinion of their products. $$$

 

Boatnik,
Try calling Thurston Springs Service in Richmond. # 232-8981

 

Eaton Detroit Spring is a good resource. I started buying quite a few items from them as most of the local spring shops have disappeared in the last few years. Shipping springs gets a bit pricey, however I have been able to offset the cost some. They are great people to deal with both for OEM replacement parts or special custom made items.

just google Eaton Detroit Springs, I think they are the first hit listed.

 

Any of the off-road lift-kit companies, i.e. Rugged Trail, Superlift, Rancho, Burbank Spring, Etc., will have a vast selection of various u-bolt lengths/sizes.

These will be zinc-plated and hardened, for less money than un-hardened shop-made ones.

What is wrong with using old u-bolts??

I have used old u-bolts over on many applications with no ill effects that I ever noticed.

The only u-bolts that ever gave me problems were some I had custom bent and threaded at the local machine shop.

They kept stretching, actually gained a couple inches, before I got some good ones from a suspension lift company.

 

do a search for stengel brothers u bolts. They make custom u bolts to order, and have tons of ready made sizes. great people to deal with, reasonable prices AND shipping

 

go to a local spring shop they have what you need