? on where to find new studs for mounting the spring plate to the axle

[RSwoyer]

Anyone know where I can get longer studs that screw into the front axle? that the spring mounting plate bolts to? Some people have suggested replacing them with bolts... . is this safe?

 

[Grey Wolf]

I usually go to my favorite truck leaf spring supply shop and they'll have them.

 

[Simplysmn]

I have replaced both of my studs with bolts afer breaking them . you can go either way grade 8 bolts or back with studs . I feel either way is safe

 

[ZedMikey]

One of the reasons for using studs is that you are less likely to damage the threads in the cast housing. The stud should thread into the housing easily, and it will have lots of contact area. When the nut is tightened down, the nut or upper stud threads are far more likely to strip than the threads in the housing.

Another reason is the shoulder on studs is a larger diameter than the minor diameter of a bolt of the same size. This is only a real benefit when the joint is loaded in shear and the shoulder of the stud is taking that shear. Without that shear load, the weak point is still the minor diameter of the threads for a tensile load.

Theoretically, you're spring hanger studs/bolts shouldn't be loaded in shear. They should be tight enough that the friction between the mount, spring, and plate takes all of the shear, and the stud/bolt is only under tensile load.

I have grade 8 bolts in the D60 front on my CJ, as do many others. Just don't over-tighten them and strip the housing threads.

 

[rumblefish]

When I lifted my Ramcharger, longer studs came with the kit. You could try finding a Superlift distributor (you can't order form Superlift direct) and having them order some.