8.1 Vortec YJ
- Thread starter markegbert
- Start date
mierdota
Well-Known Member
gtidrivr
Registered User
- Location
- West Jordan
FWIW, I would recommend that you rid the rear yoke of the straps and bolts. Just drill it out and run u-bolts. They will save a bunch of hassle some day...
markegbert
markegbert
- Location
- Millcreek
markegbert
markegbert
- Location
- Millcreek
tell me how i can do this. on the strap style yoke the holes are drilled closer to the u joint. if i drill out the existing holes the u bolts would be to wide for the u joint.
- Location
- Bountiful, land of rocks
I've run the straps for quite a while now. I do check them fairly frequently, but really haven't had any issues (TBI 350 is NOT EQUAL to a 8.1L, though).
waynehartwig
www.jeeperman.com
- Location
- Mead, WA
Straps are stronger than u bolts. Problem is your supposed to replace them each time they are off and nobody ever does, so they get loose and fail. Maintain your junk and you'll never walk 
gtidrivr
Registered User
- Location
- West Jordan
If you take the yoke off and mill the holes, they will work.
I found out the hard way one time. I had the straps, broke a joint, and while it broke a strap, it also broke an ear in the yoke. So, I had to front dig all the way out, and have a new yoke brought down from Six States. Not a huge deal, but not ideal either.
I know the second time it happened, when I had the u-bolts, it was a much easier fix, and no yoke was needed.
I found out the hard way one time. I had the straps, broke a joint, and while it broke a strap, it also broke an ear in the yoke. So, I had to front dig all the way out, and have a new yoke brought down from Six States. Not a huge deal, but not ideal either.
I know the second time it happened, when I had the u-bolts, it was a much easier fix, and no yoke was needed.
markegbert
markegbert
- Location
- Millcreek
Straps are stronger than u bolts. Problem is your supposed to replace them each time they are off and nobody ever does, so they get loose and fail. Maintain your junk and you'll never walk
this is incorrect. straps disperse the load to the top 1/2 of the straps only, u bolts disperse the load evenly over the entire u bolt. yes straps do stretch and should be replaced frequently depending on use, but u bolts are stronger. i have seen some machined straps that look at least 3 times the size and strength of a spicer strap, but i think they where like 80 bucks for the set. does anyone know where i can get u bolts to replace my straps? and maybe a part#
gtidrivr
Registered User
- Location
- West Jordan
I don't know what the part # is, and last I knew they didn't make them for 1410 stuff. So, I always used 1350. I'm sure you're aware they are the same cap.
Also, IIRC you need to grind down the nut face on the back of the yoke to ensure the u-bolt is long enough to get the nuts all the way on. Hope this helps!
- Location
- farmington
Did you build the lower ubolt retainer on the rear (the one below the spring)?
markegbert
markegbert
- Location
- Millcreek
yes they kinda suck to make. i made each one out of 4 pieces. i welded them together then ground them to what you see. just go back to page 5.
- Location
- farmington
nice work
Cougar1
Banned
That is one hell of a truck! Where did you buy it? Army Surplus?I'm not sure that's going to cut the mustard.
You do have a bunch of torque from that 8.1L, but I bet it'll hold up well.
I love the ride height.
markegbert
markegbert
- Location
- Millcreek
markegbert
markegbert
- Location
- Millcreek
markegbert
markegbert
- Location
- Millcreek
i also bought new black corbeau front seats and rear bench. had a kid, i need a 4 seater
1995zj
I'm addicted
- Location
- Herriman, UT
Mark, this is looking GOOD! When are you hoping to complete it by?
markegbert
markegbert
- Location
- Millcreek
dont know, i have a landscape and basement to finish, and my wife just quit working to take care of our kid. 6 months? year?