Reusing leaf spring U bolts?

[PaulD]

Time to replace my 89 GW leaf springs. I had done this many years ago on a CJ7 and I think I used new U Bolts due to rust in that case. My 89 GW is rust free and the leaf spring U bolts are rust free and look like I can remove and reuse them with no problems. Am I fooling myself? Even if they come off OK, any reason I should get new ones anyway?
Looks like they are a variety of sizes. Anyone know what sizes I would need for both front & rear?

[CutterN55]

you can reuse them in a jam but you really should replace them as they do stretch a little. I can't remember the sizes. I know the one on the front casting is pretty big, different from the others and the tubes on the front is a little wider than the rear tubes I think. I wanna say 3" rear, 3.5" front, and the weird one on the front casting is 4"?

Call BJ's, they'll know and can probably send you a kit. Last time I tried ordering them from a regular parts store was a pain in the ass, they cost a fortune, and weren't very good quality.

[ShagWagon]

I thought most kits included them. Maybe supplier has a kit to go with for GW.

It's recommended to replace them.

[PaulD]

BJ's does sell the correct U-bolts but they do not specify what size they are. You tell them what model Jeep you have and they will send the right sizes. Bolts are grade 8 and their prices are comparable with other sellers. The sell a kit (stock height springs made in India) with U-Bolts included but I don't think I want the springs from India. Right now I am leaning toward stock height springs from General Spring. I have seen some good reviews on them.
I have installed springs in my younger days but do not plan to install these. Best price I have found so far locally is $375 for labor and I supply the parts.

[bufurd]

I'd reuse em if they come off pretty easy, good bet is that the new ones are not as good quality wise as the ones you have. Where it gets dicey is when you have to really heat em up to get em off, even then new nuts (if you keep the torch to the nuts) if you can find the right tall nuts will get you by.

[44BZ]

I ordered new u bolts from Rubicon Express for my 68. Came with nuts and thick washers. They look like excellent quality to me and were a perfect fit. I've always read the reusing them is a bad idea because the u bolts deform as they're being tightened.

[gsmikie]

NAPA sells them

[J20 project]

I seriously doubt you can buy Grade 8 ubolts but.....use them if they come off okay...

J20

[PaulD]

BJ's advertises that their U-Bolts are grade 8

[rocklaurence]

I'd reuse them if the threads and nuts are still good. Torque them to 75lbs and if they toque down fine--re-use them. You should be able to have some made at a spring shop. The ones I sell with my FSSR kits are $55 for a set of 4.. That's what I get charged

[PaulD]

The U-Bolts look good. No rust. My plan is to go ahead and reuse them and then if I decide later that was a mistake, I should be able to pull them out one at a time and insert new ones with out jacking anything up. Worst case is that I would need to jack stuff up enough to relieve any pressure then change them out one at a time.

[TPICherokee]

From eating spring site:

Quality aftermarket u-bolts are made to SAE standard J429 using SAE1541 steel. 1541 provide a 150,00 PSI minimum tensile strength, and 130,000 PSI minimum yield strength and a 120,00 PSI proof load. So stretching, or exceeding the yield is not something one needs to be concerned with.

The reason u-bolts should be replaced after they have been torque is because the threads are rolled, not cut.

Because of this the threads are distorted when torqued. This distortion will not allow the torqued to be maintained when the nuts are loosened then retightened.

Because loose u-bolts are the main cause of broken springs, we suggest that they be re-torqued. While the springs are new and the u-bolts are new, the rest of the suspension is aged and will have wear. It is common that the new parts receive additional stress than the older parts.

Re-torqueing continues to move the nut up to new threads.

Bottom line is we recommend that the u-bolts be replaced once they have been torqued to spec. Whether one does so or not is their choice

[TPICherokee]

good bet is that the new ones are not as good quality wise as the ones you have.

Ours are USA made grade 8 built to better than oem specs...

[fsj454]

NEW NEW NEW.

I will be changing my front springs this weekend ..My friend works at spring shop and he will never use old u bolts .Cut off with torch and put new custom made ubolts

[440sixpack]

There is no reason whatsoever not to reuse a U bolt if it's in good condition.

Do you put new wheel studs in every time you change a tire? exactly the same thing.