Talk me into, or out of, it...

[Caman96]

A mental re-boot always seems to work.

 

[someotherguy]

You were hot, tired, and pissed off. Go back at it when you get 30 minutes, I'll bet things fall into place.

For sure.. I was really trying to get it together enough to set back down off jackstands and drive it outside so my car could go back in the garage.

Any suggestions on dealing with the u-bolts? None of the first thoughts seem like good ideas, and those involve a grinder, die grinder, and hammer.

Richard

 

[618 Syndicate]

For sure.. I was really trying to get it together enough to set back down off jackstands and drive it outside so my car could go back in the garage.

Any suggestions on dealing with the u-bolts? None of the first thoughts seem like good ideas, and those involve a grinder, die grinder, and hammer.

Richard

I guess I'm not sure what your issue is. I've always just squeezed the ends together to get them through the plate. Once through they're good to go.

 

[Orpedcrow]

I've always just squeezed the ends together to get them through the plate. Once through they're good to go.

That’s how I do them. Pop’em over the tubes then squeeze them into the plates.

 

[95burban]

Is the flip kit u bolt plate correct? Could it be for a 1/2 ton?

 

[SentandBent4x4]

^This. My temper is much better than it was when I was young, I don't throw tools anymore, but you have to stop sometimes, and get a fresh perspective, before you lose your ****, and go the hell off.

Some of the simplest jobs, are the ones that give the most trouble.

Nuttin like breaking off a stupid bolt

 

[Carlaisle]

It's difficult to tell from my vantage point, but your axle tube look a little crusty. Could a wire wheel where the u bolts sit free up enough room to solve the fitment issues or at least reduce them to the point of being more easily managed?

Appreciate the reply on the spacer thickness.

 

[Caman96]

I thought axle tube looked pretty clean for a 30 year old truck. It is hard to tell in that picture how much u-bolts are sitting up from tube. Looks close enough where you could just squeeze into plate and tighten, but maybe picture doesn’t show issue. Maybe he’s ordered new u-bolts.

 

[someotherguy]

Yeah the crust is pretty superficial. Out of 4 u-bolts, 2 slip right over and the other 2 fight and spread out. Doesn't matter which position you put them in (i.e. swapped for the 2 that slip right over), so it's the bolts, not the tube. I'll be battling it possibly later this morning or tomorrow. Had to get back to work the past 4 nights and those are really long shifts, so by the time I get home I'm beat. I'm beat right now.. but itching to get the truck back on the ground so I can move to work on the front.

Richard

 

[Caman96]

I’d contact Belltech and make them send you 2 more. Of course, might not work for your schedule.