one question before I turn a wrench

[ggdad1951]

ok, starting to put things back TOGETHER tomorrow. I have a question tho, my friend who is helping REALLY wants me to replace the reaf diff mounting bolts on the rear axle housing. I'll be getting a couple from a member here to replace several damaged ones I have. But he insists I should replace all of them w/ new. I'm a firm believer if it ain't broke.....

For the fun question: if I were to replace them, where to buy them? I have had NO luck finding any online anywhere....

[Dave72dt]

I'm at a loss here. Exactly which bolts are you talking about. 1 ton axle, right? Axle to spring? Those can be made at a spring shop. Other? Pic?

[Young Ed]

Studs for the axle housing that hold in the center section? I would no way replace any that aren't obviously damaged. They used better bolts back then than most of what you can buy now.

[ggdad1951]

I'm at a loss here. Exactly which bolts are you talking about. 1 ton axle, right? Axle to spring? Those can be made at a spring shop. Other? Pic?

Sorry, might be using the wrong terms here, but the differetial gear set/housing bolts to the rear axle housing via studs that live in the rear axle housing. They are 7/16-14 into the housing and 7/16-20 for nuts/lock washers to hold the gear set housing on.

Does that make sense now?

[Bradley S.]

Don't replace unless visibly damaged, i.e. stretched, stripped.

[Don Coatney]

If you do elect to replace them you might check with McMaster Carr. Google them. They have a huge on line hardware store with fair prices and very quick shipping.

[Plymouthy Adams]

don't fix anything that works..there is really no need to change these unless they refuse to torque to specs..being of a sepcified size, grade and thread count..the torque can be set generically, these specs can be found online on a torque chart or in about any repair manual these specs are given per bolt size/grade

[41/53dodges]

try ace hardware and small shops like that, make sure you have grade 8

[Dave72dt]

Fastenal carries them. Grade 8, 2 3/4" long, EXPENSIVE

http://www.fastenal.com/web/search/products/fasteners/rod/double-end-studs/_/N-gj4zl2&Nty=0

[suntennis]

If you replace any of the this hardware, use nothing less than grade 5 in nuts, bolts, studs and washers. The grade number indicates its strength. A grade 5 is stronger than grade 2.

[Plymouthy Adams]

grade two is good for throwing at the neighbor's dog who is trespassing on your "properly" fertilized lawn

[ggdad1951]

thanks guys, using the existing studs. Plan on heading to Tractor Supply for some grade 8 bolts for the rest of the project (as was my intent).

Pictures soon of parts back together!

[ggdad1951]

Fastenal carries them. Grade 8, 2 3/4" long, EXPENSIVE

http://www.fastenal.com/web/search/products/fasteners/rod/double-end-studs/_/N-gj4zl2&Nty=0

wow, even with my corporate discount, that is spendy!

[Dave72dt]

The thought just occurred to me that you might want to check with ARP. They provide a lot of studs, fasteners for high perf engines and GM uses a lot of 7/16 on their SB.....?