Stock Ubolt Replacement

[Hipster]

It might not matter on a 3500 spring, it might matter on a 1500 spring, it definitely matters on other light duty vehicles. Over-smoking the u-bolts with an impact gun can bind the springs and lead to broken leaves within the leaf pack. This is one area where the bolt diameter does not determine torque values. Pay attention to the FSM.

 

[Hipster]

Mine were sold as 5/8 Grade 8. Are you saying they really aren’t? Not doubting you, just a legitimate question.

Anything that comes from offshore has questionable metallurgy and there is a big difference in torque capacities of rolled vs cut threads.

Refer to a machinist's handbook for specifics on the differences in thread engagement.

 

[Caman96]

Anything that comes from offshore has questionable metallurgy and there is a big difference in torque capacities of rolled vs cut threads.

Refer to a machinist's handbook for specifics on the differences in thread engagement.

Glad I got the 5/8 then!

 

[Supercharged111]

Glad I got the 5/8 then!

Do they even fit through the holes? Maybe I got 5/8 then, it was the biggest bolt you could fit through the hole in a stock plate.

 

[Caman96]

Do they even fit through the holes? Maybe I got 5/8 then, it was the biggest bolt you could fit through the hole in a stock plate.

Not sure about my OEM plates cause I bought these cast ones from ATS Springs.

Chevy Truck U-Bolt and Saddle Plates

ATS offers replacement u-bolts and upper saddle plates and lower saddle plates in complete kits for Chevy C,K and Chevy Silverado, Sierra Pick Up trucks.

www.autoandtrucksprings.com

Just looking at pictures on the site they do appear larger IMO.

 

[Supercharged111]

Those are beefy looking on my phone.

 

[Caman96]

Those are beefy looking on my phone.

Even beefier on my truck.

 

[Caman96]

So, again--when it's me, I add anti-seize and then knock 20% off the specified torque. Less intestinal blow-out that way.

It even says that on sheet that came with mine(in picture I posted). Too late for me as my intestines are splayed out underneath my truck!

 

[Schurkey]

Mine were sold as 5/8 Grade 8. Are you saying they really aren’t? Not doubting you, just a legitimate question.

They don't all come from the same supplier. I would be really surprised if they were actually Grade 8 with rolled threads; but what do I know? Maybe yours do. Mine didn't.

 

[SB71]

I just installed 9/16 U bolts on drivers side of my K1500. My torque wrench crapped out on me so I tightened as much as I could with cheater bar and d U bolts still backed off