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Author
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Topic: U bolts: bigger is better?
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 1348
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 11-04-2002 11:49 PM
   
I've been looking at my standard 7/16 U-bolts on the rear axle. Why are they so MEAN in terms of length? I've got another set of 1/2-inch U-bolts that are the right spread and provide a clear two inches of thread beneath the axle mounting plates. I don't know where they came from, but they've got to be better, right? There's no possible downside to using giant U-bolts, provided they fit, is there?
I had the 7/16 bolts at 65 lbs. feet (as per Alex's advice in another thread), and thought I would torque the half-inchers to about the same, maybe 70.
Thanks!
Simon
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Calcat
Journeyman Posts: 75
From: Los Angeles, CA
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 11-05-2002 02:04 AM
Yes, this is one of those rare times where bigger is better. But aware you will probably have to drill out your plate a bit to accept the 1/2". You are right, torque should be about the same.
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TomP
Gearhead Posts: 4637
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 11-05-2002 06:43 PM
I definately don't agree ... bigger is stronger, but not better!!The large U-Bolts won't stretch to make tension and they'll lose their clamping on the spring plates... this will have the rear end walking back and forth, bending the spring perches and wearing grooves in the housing. Unless you plan on tightening these things every few days of driving (lock nuts won't do it) i'd use no bigger than the 7/16" -bolts they come with. Those are fine enough for anything running 11's or carrying 1500lbs of cargo.
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 1348
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 11-05-2002 11:20 PM
Thanks guys! Calcat, Tom sounds pretty convincing, wouldn't you agree?
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Fastymz
Moderator Posts: 9095
From: Reno Nv USA MEM#1240
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 11-06-2002 12:38 AM
Tom really knows his stuff,Not saying Calcat dosen't.  SCOOP ------------------
oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs 2.26 60'S
14.9 @ 90.86MPH 65 coupe,351w,C4,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,8"3.40 TracLoc,Cragar SS,Black Suede. https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/Fastymz.html
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Calcat
Journeyman Posts: 75
From: Los Angeles, CA
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 11-06-2002 02:17 AM
I guess Tom and I can agree to disagree on this one. 75% of the torque to yield rating on a 1/2" bolt is 75ft/lbs. This will put the 1/2" u bolts in tension. That's only 10lbs over what Simon has the 7/16 torqued to right now (Btw - 60 is more than needed for 7/16).
I assumed the application justified using the stronger u bolts and this is not an uncommon upgrade on rear ends.
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