Re-using U bolts? U-bolt flip?

[Exalted 4x4]

I have heard that your not supposed to re use your u bolts? What is the reason? Also has anybody done a u bolt flip on some sua's? I am trying to keep my rig low. Thanks

 

[RockMonkey]

You can't re-use your u-bolts when doing a u-bolt flip anyway, because you'll need square u-bolts instead of round ones.

 

[Tacoma]

I was told that when properly tightened, the new nuts partially cut into the threads on the u-bolts to combat vibration.

And what Braden said.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Several reasons, they stretch when properly torqued... they are not designed to stretch multiple times. The other is the threads, they are designed to "cut" as you tighten the nut on, hence why they don't require a loc-nut or lock-washer. I wouldn't do it... u-bolts are cheap and easy to come by (Six States makes them for under $10/each w/nuts). That being said plenty of folks re-use them. I have seen broken ones... again not worth the $40 IMO

 

[Exalted 4x4]

Yeah i wasnt planning on re using the round ones for the flip, just curious. I am doing an axle swap and was going to get some new u bolts but thought i would investigate doing a flip.

 

[Tacoma]

weeeellll...

Now you know that it's a bad idea.

 

[Exalted 4x4]

Thanks tacoma, what a guy!

 

[DaveB]

I did a ubolt flip on my scrambler with wagoneer dana 44s. I found some junk yard brackets that helped make it work well. Send me a PM and I can show you what I did. I used new square ubolts from 6 states.