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Replacing U-Bolts
Removed U-bolts should NEVER be placed back onto the vehicle; they should be thrown away. Suspension u-bolts are manufactured with a smooth rolled thread, while the mating hi-nuts are manufactured with sharp cut threads. When a u-bolt is tightened to its recommended torque level, the u-bolt threads stretch as they mate with the hi-nuts. Although it is not always visible to the naked eye, this damages the threads. Removed hi-nuts from the u-bolt will cause a cross-threading that will not allow the u-bolt to be adequately re-torqued.
The best way to get perfect fitting u-bolts is to visit one of our two locations with the old u-bolts. Using the old u-bolts as a guide we can ensure you get an exact duplicate.
If you can't make it to the shop, we are able to bend u-bolts to your specifications. Please be advised that, due to the custom nature of this work, custom u-bolts cannot be returned for any reason. Please follow our measuring guide below.
- A: Measure the diameter of the rod at the thread.
- B: Measure the length of the leg, from the top of the inside of the bend.
- C: Measure the width between the inside of the legs.
- Bend: Note the type of bend: Round, Semi-Round, Square, or Forged Top.
Call today to talk to one of our experts to discuss your situation and begin a custom solution for your vehicle. Phone: 1-800-922-3283
U-Bolt Torque Guide
U-Bolts that bave ben torqued to a set preload are recommended to be re-torqued after a short time to take up the stretch in the material.
U-Bolts that have been well lubricated with an anti-sieze compound will have a torque range between plated and unplated values.
All of the below values are general guidelines. The OEM Service Manual on specific models always takes precedence over the values shown.
| Size | Material Grade | Max. Torque Ft.-Lbs. Plated | Max. Torque Ft.-Lbs. Unplated |
| 3/8 - 24 | 5 | 21 | 36 |
| 7/16 - 20 | 5 | 33 | 44 |
| 1/2 - 20 1/2 - 20 |
5 8 |
52 64 |
70 87 |
| 9/16 - 18 9/16 - 18 |
5 8 |
75 93 |
100 124 |
| 5/8 -18 5/8 -18 |
5 8 |
107 143 |
132 177 |
| 3/4 - 16 3/4 - 16 |
5 8 |
190 253 |
234 313 |
| 7/8 - 14 7/8 - 14 |
5 8 |
304 405 |
375 500 |
| 1 - 14 | 8 | 758 | 1010 |
| 1 1/8 - 12 | 8 | 848 | 1131 |
| 1 1/4 - 12 | 8 | 1163 | 1151 |
U-Bolts must be tightened and torqued using a cross pattern sequence.
Tighten #1 then #4 to partial toque, then partial torque #2 and #3.
Using the same sequence, fully torque U-Bolt Nots.
DO NOT RE-USE U-BOLTS.