Taking off overloads - Where to find shorter U-bolts?

[Scooby]

I'm taking off the overload springs and planning to install the Roadmasters. It was suggested (and I agree after looking at it) that I might want to get shorter U-bolts since there will be about 2" of threaded u-bolt stickin' out below the truck in harm's way when I go off-road.



Should I just get the ones intended for the truck without overloads from the dealer? Anyone got any good ideas? Are the factory ones cool or are there beefier replacements?

 

[Deezul1]

Any spring shop should be able to make them for you. I also want to remove mine and was qouted $9. 50 ea which I thought was high. Someone else posted about doing this and had them made for about $5. 00 ea. Stock type bolts will be good for anything you can dream up.

 

[MaxTorque]

Scooby, You don"t say where you are located but look up in the yellow pages for a aftermarket spring manufacturer. They will make u bolts for you. Why would you remove overloads when they have no affect on the ride when they are not in use?

 

[redram]

I have a set from a 95 Cab & Chassis 4X4. It was a parts truck at a salvage yard that I pulled the overload springs and rear leaf springs from to replace the stock 3500 2WD leafs (no overloads).



I could not use them due to the 4 inch (2 inch?) 4X4 spacer block making the u-bolts too long. I believe they would still work if you just removed the overload spring though.



They're yours for $20 if I can find them! Let me know if you still need a set.



The stock OEM U-bolts were too short with the overload springs so I had to have some made up ..... try a truck shop that does leaf spring repair. Should be better than the DC dealer.



$5-10 per bolt including 4 nuts to double nut the bolts is not a bad price for a high quality high tensile strength bolt.

 

[Scooby]

Thanks for the replies - I'm in So Cal and may just check out ORU in Burbank - they are the shop that the guys in "4Wheeler" magazine go to for all their cool stuff.



MaxTorque,

I'm taking off the overloads to install the Roadmaster active suspension.

 

[Diesel Dan]

Hey Scooby

Take some measurements and if you have enough threads just install with the extra sticking down and take a grinding wheel or metal cutting blade and a circular saw and cut them off.



Good luck

DD