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Caltracs or Smith Racecraft?

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Old 10-29-2012, 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by dirt track racer 81
I didn't cut the springs or use longer bolts
Good point, most Factory U-Bolts are about 1-1.25" longer then needed anyway.
Old 10-29-2012, 11:56 AM
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I wonder if my stock u-bolts are shorter than others'. In stock form, mine only have 1/8-1/4" thread sticking out the bottom of the nut. With the Assassin bars, the lower plate was so much taller I couldn't even get the nuts to start.

Any tips on finding longer factory u-bolts? I did buy a pair but they were only about 1/2" longer. I need some that are around 1" longer.
Old 10-29-2012, 11:59 AM
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Sub'd...

As for u-bolts, you can talk to most offroad shops and they can point you to someone local.
Old 10-29-2012, 12:03 PM
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How long are yours? Most aftermarket and ones that are make at spring shops use shitty steel and they are not heat treated. Yours should be 14mm thread but how long I am not sure. 3/4 ton uses 16mm thread.
Old 10-29-2012, 12:12 PM
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guys with flip kits can use this:
Superlift U-Bolt Kits 11334 - SummitRacing.com

i have no clue where to start on the trucks with the square bolts.
Old 10-29-2012, 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by TXsilverado
guys with flip kits can use this:
Superlift U-Bolt Kits 11334 - SummitRacing.com

i have no clue where to start on the trucks with the square bolts.
I bought a set on ebay but returned them because the threaded section wasn't long enough. They looked okay to me, they were goldish colored like the grade 8 hardware is. Haven't gotten around to getting another set.

My stockers are around 7.5" overall length. I am running 6* pinion shims which are about 1/2" thick int he front and 1/8" thick in the back. This adds to my issue of the u-bolts being too short.

The GM ones I got to try are 8" overall length, 15872657. I got these with my 1/2" spacer kit to fix the GM lean, which I still haven't installed yet.
Old 10-29-2012, 12:43 PM
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Most of the trucks should have the squared off U-Bolt as they go over the leaf not the axle.
Old 10-29-2012, 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Ferocity02
I wonder if my stock u-bolts are shorter than others'. In stock form, mine only have 1/8-1/4" thread sticking out the bottom of the nut. With the Assassin bars, the lower plate was so much taller I couldn't even get the nuts to start.

Any tips on finding longer factory u-bolts? I did buy a pair but they were only about 1/2" longer. I need some that are around 1" longer.
4wd u bolts are 2" longer.
Old 10-29-2012, 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 1989k1500
4wd u bolts are 2" longer.
Yes they are, just keep in mind that 1/2 and 3/4 ton are different.
Old 10-29-2012, 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by dirt track racer 81
Well I took the bars off phantoms truck and bought him some new ones and the bracket on the housing is made different and are nickle plated.. When I get home ill take some pics of the new bars
...
I didn't cut the springs or use longer bolts
Pics of differences betwen Phantom's & yours may help others facin this situation. Nickel plated - I drive in winter (currently) so I need to find out if nickel or powdercoat would hold up better here. It'd be nice to not cut a thing or dick w/. longer bolts.

Originally Posted by Ferocity02
I wonder if my stock u-bolts are shorter than others'. In stock form, mine only have 1/8-1/4" thread sticking out the bottom of the nut. With the Assassin bars, the lower plate was so much taller I couldn't even get the nuts to start.

Any tips on finding longer factory u-bolts? I did buy a pair but they were only about 1/2" longer. I need some that are around 1" longer.
...
I bought a set on ebay but returned them because the threaded section wasn't long enough. They looked okay to me, they were goldish colored like the grade 8 hardware is. Haven't gotten around to getting another set.

My stockers are around 7.5" overall length. I am running 6* pinion shims which are about 1/2" thick int he front and 1/8" thick in the back. This adds to my issue of the u-bolts being too short.

The GM ones I got to try are 8" overall length, 15872657. I got these with my 1/2" spacer kit to fix the GM lean, which I still haven't installed yet.
Ferocity, this is indeed for your '01 Ext Cab 2wd, correct?
I guess I could measure mine when I get to, then go off that 8" as to whether they'll fit. Are those 8" ones 2wd or 4wd?
If we all work tog., we can all help others.

Originally Posted by 03sierraslt
Good point, most Factory U-Bolts are about 1-1.25" longer then needed anyway.
...
How long are yours? Most aftermarket and ones that are make at spring shops use shitty steel and ... not heat treated. Yours should be 14mm thread but how long I am not sure. 3/4 ton uses 16mm thread.
...
Most of the trucks should have the squared off U-Bolt as they go over the leaf not the axle.
Only GM 1/2 ton bolts in 14mm dia. cause they use a better steel & heat treated; perhaps in a 4WD length should work then. The main thing's to confirm if they're squared off above leaf. I wonder if that platform change (GMT800 vs 900) or (2wd vs 4wd dependent)?

If I need bolts, I'll gladly post up my findings, to help others. And since I'm hurt now, I can't get under my truck to confirm & due to Hurricane Sandy, it's raining & will be for a few days.

TDFDiesel said most offroad shops have them & point u to someone local. Yrs. ago, I went to a trailer shop, but that was also on a '71 Pontiac (a car I no longer have so couldn't say if it was shitty steel nor would they need replacin unless goin to a heavier duty rear; that's the only reason I'd ever be concerned is if a 14 bolt goes under). Then, galling or the material could be a big issue.

Last edited by fastnblu; 10-29-2012 at 04:55 PM. Reason: (sp.)


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