Does anyone know where I might be able to find the reccomended torque specs for the nuts on the U-bolts that hold the rear axle to the springs?

I may have to install a pinion shim set with my shackles, and wanted to get all of my homework done beforehand.

Thanks.

 

Grab the torque wrengh (a BIG one) and a breaker bar
tighten just till they get tight. Then pull till they squeel then go 1/4 turn

Thats how I was told to do mine. If I remember correctly its 86 ft lb, but I'm not sure. I dont think its real important, as long as they dont come loose. (don't ask how I know ) I've never torqued mine except on the first truck I messed with them. Now I just get them tight...real tight

 

All I can give you is the spec for a 2003 Chevrolet Chevy K Silverado - 4 WD. Not sure if it is the same but will give you some idea if you cannot find an exact spec for your truck.

U-Bolt Nuts, 15 Series without Rear Wheel Steering 53 lb. ft.

IIRC when I did mine they would not come up to spec. I think that maybe they were stretching. Rather than over do it I just tightened them till they all felt about the same and had about the same number of threads showing and let it go at that. I have had mine off twice to do pinion angle shims.

Remember YMMV.

 

Mort - did you just leave the axle attached to the shocks sitting on the jack when you did the shims?

 

Yes leave it attached to the shocks. Put jack stands under the frame and put your jack under the pumpkin so you can raise and lower the axle as required. My axle is under the leaf springs and I put the shims in thick end (4* in my case) toward the front to bring the pinion nose down. If your axle is over the leaf springs then I think you will need to put the shims in thick end facing the rear to get the pinion nose down. Check it first as a lot of people don't seem to bother to add the shims and don't seem to have a problem.

Note: Only do one end at a time!!!!!! Don't ask me how I know that. LOL

 

I'm hoping that it won't be necessary. You know how it goes, expect the best, plan for the worst.

Thanks!