oakback
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Post by oakback on Jun 28, 2018 8:10:43 GMT -8
I'm reassembling my axle, and bought new u-bolts from Tractor Supply, they're intended for a 3,500 lb. axle, 1/2" diameter and 2.5" wide. They're about an inch too short. Lowes and Home Depot don't have u-bolts that are 1/2" thick and 2.5" wide. Fastenal and Grainger don't either (not on their websites, anyway).
Does anyone know where I could possibly buy longer u-bolts? I'd hate to have to buy new springs just because of this.
I had to cut off the old u-bolts.
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jun 28, 2018 8:34:57 GMT -8
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oakback
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Post by oakback on Jun 28, 2018 9:01:11 GMT -8
That's perfect, thank you so much!
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ruderunner
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Post by ruderunner on Jun 28, 2018 16:39:46 GMT -8
Your local auto parts store may have them too. Personally I like to get them local because no matter how much you measure you either end up short or long on the first try when doctoring leaf springs.
For straight replacement, if you have the old ones, even if cut, you should be able to match them pretty closely.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jun 28, 2018 18:13:02 GMT -8
I've ordered from ATS twice with great results. They custom make hard to find pieces. Great if you can't find the pieces you need. With that said, finding parts locally is a beautiful thing.
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Post by ShastaCompact68 on Jun 29, 2018 3:00:07 GMT -8
Many decent sized towns or small cities have at least one spring shop, or custom suspension shop. these are the folks who do custom work "lifting" pick-ups or lowering hot rods. they can make you U-Bolts however you want them in a matter of minutes.
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oakback
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Post by oakback on Jun 29, 2018 11:53:03 GMT -8
Your local auto parts store may have them too. Personally I like to get them local because no matter how much you measure you either end up short or long on the first try when doctoring leaf springs. For straight replacement, if you have the old ones, even if cut, you should be able to match them pretty closely. I just found out about a local hitch & trailer shop. I'll stop by and see what they have. I already recycled the old ones, but I know the measurements of what I need by memory at this point, haha. |
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oakback
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Post by oakback on Jun 29, 2018 17:05:48 GMT -8
Bought 2 u-bolts kits, in sealed packages. Get home, and find that the nuts and u-bolts have different threads! Of course the shop is closed by then.
Ended up having to go to Lowe's and finding nuts to fit.
I now have 4 too-short u-bolts, and 16 large nuts I can't use, from 4 different u-bolt kits that haven't worked out, they're going in the box of random hardware.
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ruderunner
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Post by ruderunner on Jun 30, 2018 2:04:49 GMT -8
I'm not sure Lowe's will have adequate nuts. You need grade 8 not typical hardware store grade 2.
Try an auto parts store.
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oakback
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Post by oakback on Jul 1, 2018 18:21:28 GMT -8
Luckily the Lowe's near me has a pretty good selection of grade 5 and 8 hardware.
I had a much harder time finding brake backing plate nuts. Went to 4 different stores, eventually found an auto parts store that had 2 nuts in stock.
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