U-bolt application for stock

[Z71_Zimmerly]

I'm doing a 10b to 14b swap myself. (3.42, 9.5" ring gear)
Beside diameter, would you guys happen to know the rest of the u-bolt/plate specs? Having a hard time getting a straight answer anywhere else.
This community has helped me a lot throughout this build, but this is my first time posting. I guess that speaks for the amount of info this group has already provided me. I'd be lost at times, otherwise. Thanks!

 

[Schurkey]

Around here, there's a local metalworking/welding shop. I walked in carrying the U-bolt base, and just bought U-bolts that fit nicely through the holes.

Length isn't really a problem; if they're too long--cut some off the bottom. Mine, at least, had extra-long threaded sections.

 

[alpinecrick]

Keep in mind the light duty 2500 has it's own spring pack and is different than the regular "heavy" 2500. I think the light duty 2500 has 9/16", and the heavy 2500 uses 5/8" I went out and checked my 06 TD and it has 5/8 U bolts.

U bolts are made to stretch the right amount with the correct torque values. That keeps the correct tension. Once used, and then retorqued from scratch, they are stretched further than they are designed for.

 

[stutaeng]

I'm doing a 10b to 14b swap myself. (3.42, 9.5" ring gear)
Beside diameter, would you guys happen to know the rest of the u-bolt/plate specs? Having a hard time getting a straight answer anywhere else.
This community has helped me a lot throughout this build, but this is my first time posting. I guess that speaks for the amount of info this group has already provided me. I'd be lost at times, otherwise. Thanks!

Any replacement u bolts for a truck that had the 9.5" axle should work. If you are keeping your 10 bolt leaf springs, then replacement u bolts will be just a tad longer, but not a problem.

I don't know the part no. for those plates.

What truck did that axle come from BTW? At least the later GMT 400s with that axle had 3.73s or 4.10s, but earlier ones did have 3.42. I thinking of the 8 lug trucks though. Seems like you have a 6 lug? Those were a bit different.

 

[Z71_Zimmerly]

Wow, I figured this was a long forgotten thread, it's nice to have such a quick response.
I finally found the u-bolts I need, by searching by VIN of the mysterious donor vehicle. It was a 1/2 ton ext cab, like mine. I plan on keeping my leaf springs, at least for now.
Problem now is, I need the bottom carrier for the u-bolts, along with that top plate, with no part # or measurements to go by, and I can't exactly find them by searching with the VIN. I wish there was a better way to search for these parts. Thanks again guys, I appreciate the help

 

[Z71_Zimmerly]

Any replacement u bolts for a truck that had the 9.5" axle should work. If you are keeping your 10 bolt leaf springs, then replacement u bolts will be just a tad longer, but not a problem.

I don't know the part no. for those plates.

What truck did that axle come from BTW? At least the later GMT 400s with that axle had 3.73s or 4.10s, but earlier ones did have 3.42. I thinking of the 8 lug trucks though. Seems like you have a 6 lug? Those were a bit different.

Sorry, I have a '98 K1500 ext cab, stock 10b 3.42...
The replacement rear end is the 14b 3.42 9.5" with the G80 locker, posi. It was pulled from a salvage yard, and was originally in a '97 K1500 ext cab, with the F44 package.

 

[Schurkey]

I plan on keeping my leaf springs, at least for now.
Problem now is, I need the bottom carrier for the u-bolts, along with that top plate,

You must be registered for see images attach

The "top plate" is part of the spring pack.

The bottom, formed-steel "carrier" that the U-bolts go through should come from the donor vehicle, as it's different (larger) than the one for the 8.5" rear axle. You could try getting a part number or maybe the parts themselves) from a GM dealer; no telling if they've been discontinued or if they're still current.

I have the same axle as you, although from an older 2500--9.5", 3.42, Gov-Lock.

 

[Z71_Zimmerly]

The "top plate" is part of the spring pack.

The bottom, formed-steel "carrier" that the U-bolts go through should come from the donor vehicle, as it's different (larger) than the one for the 8.5" rear axle. You could try getting a part number or maybe the parts themselves) from a GM dealer; no telling if they've been discontinued or if they're still current.

I have the same axle as you, although from an older 2500--9.5", 3.42, Gov-Lock.

Thanks Schurkey. Had no chance of getting anything else from the donor vehicle- the rest of it was scrapped before I bought the rear end. I'm assuming my top plate will work for this new axle?
Would anyone else happen to know of a part number, or at least measurements for the 9.5 SF carrier? Thanks again.

 

[Z71_Zimmerly]

You must be registered for see images attach

The "top plate" is part of the spring pack.

The bottom, formed-steel "carrier" that the U-bolts go through should come from the donor vehicle, as it's different (larger) than the one for the 8.5" rear axle. You could try getting a part number or maybe the parts themselves) from a GM dealer; no telling if they've been discontinued or if they're still current.

I have the same axle as you, although from an older 2500--9.5", 3.42, Gov-Lock.

Well, I was able to find those saddles at a local salvage yard. Now, my only question is, can I use the same top spring plate from my 10 bolt? I'm keeping my 1/2 ton springs, just swapping rear axle assemblys.

 

[stutaeng]

Well, I was able to find those saddles at a local salvage yard. Now, my only question is, can I use the same top spring plate from my 10 bolt? I'm keeping my 1/2 ton springs, just swapping rear axle assemblys.

I don't believe so. The outer tube on the 14 bolt/9.5" is larger than the 10 bolt. You won't be able to align the holes of the brakets with the bolts.