72 Leaf Springs U-bolt Question

Looking for some guidance here as a 2 hour long project heads into its 2nd week. V8 engine

Its been way harder finding the right size u-bolts than I anticipated. I have 2.56 inch that fit the plates well, but when I put them over the axle they stretch out about 1/8 and then I am needing to use a channel lock to get them in the holes. Before I tighten them down, is that normal?

For the fronts my U-bolts align up with the plates- 7/16 but one has to over the pumpkin and now thats pushing the spacing out too much.

Any help would be appreciated

 

Maybe these charts from the Jeep parts book can help with width and dimensions for factory application.
For your 72 CJ5,
Use model 83/84 S6/V8 application.
Note the 1 wider for the front axle.
The rears (4) should be all the same.
Questions, ask away.

 

They are towed in for the rear so they fit snug all the way around. The fronts are squared, so I think thats going to be the next problem. The originals werent squared off

 

This is great, thank you so much.

 

Here is that list again:

Here are the relevent part numbers fromNAPA, for U-bolts that would be used on most Jeeps. My local NAPA actually carries most of these in stock.


NAPA part #'s Thread Ø / Axle tube Ø/ length

650-4082 - 3/8 x 2.0 x 4.0 long
650-4079 - 7/16 x 2.0 x 6.0 long
650-4012 - 7/16 x 2.5 x 6.5 long
650-4023 - 7/16 x 2.75 x 6.75 long
650-4026 - 7/16 x 2.81 x 8.0 long
650-4075 - 7/16 x 3.0 x 7.5 long
650-4022 - 7/16 x 3.12 x 6.75 long
650-4076 - 1/2 x 2.5 x 8.25 long
650-4003 - 1/2 x 2.88 x 7.0 long
650-4077 - 1/2 x 3.0 x 11.75 long
650-4028 - 1/2 x 3.0 x 8.0 long
650-4001 - 1/2 x 3.13 x 6.50 long
650-4014 - 1/2 x 3.25 x 9.0 long
650-4002 - 1/2 x 3.50 x 7.50 long
650-4025 - 1/2 x 3.5 x 8.0 long
650-4053 - 9/16 x 3.0 x 7.25 long
650-4078 - 9/16 x 3.25 x 8.0 long
650-4036 - 9/16 x 3.37 x 7.0 long
650-4041 - 9/16 x 3.37 x 8.0 long
650-4034 - 9/16 x 3.37 x 10.0 long
650-4080 - 9/16 x 3.75 x 8.0 long
650-4081 - 9/16 x 3.75 x 12.75 long


Leg length is from inside bottom of U to bottom of threaded leg.
Measurements are in inches.

Early 5 with a dana 30 axle uses:
(1) 650-4022
(3) 650-4012

Early 5 with flanged dana 44 uses:
(4) 650-4023
Thanks again mcruff

 

I was able to buy a set for my D44 off set flanged from Pro Comp.
These are different than the D44 centered so measure carefully.
It MAY have been p/n 50030, so measuring is important.

 

I am lucky. We have a place here [Six States] That makes U bolts .. Just take an old one in, or give them a dimension, and they make it. On my 75, I have one in the front that goes over the flange on the pumpkin on the inside passenger side. That bolt has to be a bit wider. And the holes spaced wider as well..

As for the channel locks, I feel your pain. I took a large "C" clamp and welded 1/2" angle iron on the faces.. Just a piece about an inch long. Used it to compress the offending Ubolts. Seems they always are a tad too wide..

 

Thanks- I was worried it could sheer or something if I "worked" it in. Never a dull moment

 

The u-bolts are under massive tension in service, so a little offset in the bend should not matter. When I fit my lift kit, I removed the old bolts with a die grinder and cut-off disk. That will wake you up - they let go with a bang like a rifle shot.