Had one broken U-bolt on the Plow Truck ('97 K2500 with 10.5" full-float axle.) My suspicion is that it's original, and was made just a bit too narrow. Like 2.45 instead of the full 2.50 width. The stress of having to fit around the slightly-wider leaf spring pack popped the U-bolt at one of the corners. And, of course, it's been necked-down by rust at the top of the threads. Not as bad as the ones from my K1500, but easily noticeable. The other three U-bolts are still intact; probably necked-down but still functional.
Original U-bolt is 5/8", coarse thread. Replacement from the local steel supplier/fabrication shop is 5/8 fine-thread.
This shop makes U-bolts to order. I walk in with the broken U-bolt, the counterman measures it, goes in the back room. About five minutes later, he's back with a freshly-made U-bolt.
I expect the thing is made with ordinary mild steel rod bent-to-measure, the fine threads are cut not rolled. There's no way this is a "Grade 8" job. About $25 with two washers and two double-long fine thread nuts.
I dug as much rust and dirt out of the bottom bracket as I could, and rattled the U-bolt into place. Set the torque wrench at 150 which, given the fine threads and anti-seize, may be higher than I needed. I think I should have set the wrench at 140, maybe.
Original U-bolt is 5/8", coarse thread. Replacement from the local steel supplier/fabrication shop is 5/8 fine-thread.
This shop makes U-bolts to order. I walk in with the broken U-bolt, the counterman measures it, goes in the back room. About five minutes later, he's back with a freshly-made U-bolt.
I expect the thing is made with ordinary mild steel rod bent-to-measure, the fine threads are cut not rolled. There's no way this is a "Grade 8" job. About $25 with two washers and two double-long fine thread nuts.
I dug as much rust and dirt out of the bottom bracket as I could, and rattled the U-bolt into place. Set the torque wrench at 150 which, given the fine threads and anti-seize, may be higher than I needed. I think I should have set the wrench at 140, maybe.