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U Bolt Nuts / Dumb Question

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by HellaSlow, Nov 19, 2023.

  1. HellaSlow

    HellaSlow Member 2024 Sponsor

    I'm about to replace all of the U bolts on my leaf springs and forgot to order the nuts when I ordered the bolts from KW.

    Looks like the original nuts on there are taller than I've seen on my other vehicles.

    Rather than ordering them online for $1.50 each and waiting another week for shipping, Can I just use normal depth 7/16-20 (grade 8) Nuts that can be found at my local FLAPS? Or is it crucial to have the "Heavy Duty" 5/8 tall nuts they would have originally used?

    Here are the ones available to me locally:

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...MI8vKs9ITRggMVYivUAR0HEAWeEAQYAiABEgLpl_D_BwE

    And here are the ones for sale on KW:
    https://www.kaiserwillys.com/produc...ut-fits-41-71-mb-gpw-cj-2a-3a-3b-5-m38-m38a1/
     
  2. Jw60

    Jw60 That guy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    My understanding is that the high nut is needed because the threads on a u-bolt are not as strong as a typical bolt. It would be wise to double up on standard nuts.
     
  3. vtxtasy

    vtxtasy oldbee 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    McMasterCarr could probably have them for you tomorrow if you order now. I think they are in CA.
    https://www.mcmaster.com/products/nuts/thread-size~7-16-20/steel-high-hex-nuts-7/
     
  4. HellaSlow

    HellaSlow Member 2024 Sponsor

    I found them at a local Trucking supply store today! Will be installing this week!
     
  5. HellaSlow

    HellaSlow Member 2024 Sponsor

    Any opinions on using anti-seize on the u-bolt threads? I've heard it changes the torque specs
     
  6. Tralehead

    Tralehead Member

    The thoughts on U-bolt nuts I believe is that they are taller in order to engage more threads, thus being stronger and if the bolt gets struck, protecting more threads. And if your U-bolts are long and you decide to trim them you'll have plenty of threads left inside the nut to allow you to remove and replace the bolts.
    That being said, I've received spring kits that include U-bolts with standard grade 8 pinch nuts.
    For anti-seize you could use Loctite blue, it touts as anti-corrosive as well as a thread lock.
    What truck supply did you use? Always looking for resources, thanks.
     
    HellaSlow and vtxtasy like this.
  7. Jw60

    Jw60 That guy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    No. Use Loc-tite or dry. That's one nut you don't want to get loose.
     
    Ol Fogie and HellaSlow like this.
  8. HellaSlow

    HellaSlow Member 2024 Sponsor

    It's called Betts Trucking / Rite-way Axle & Suspension. Located in Sun Valley, CA just north of Burbank.
     
    Tralehead likes this.
  9. Tralehead

    Tralehead Member

    Drive-able!
    Used to keep a horse in Sun Valley.
    Thanks!