Rear Spring " U " Bolts

[Conn47D24]

Opinions Please.

 

1947 Dodge Club Coupe.

 

The new leaf springs I received from Eaton came with new U Bolts.

 

My old U Bolts came off fine, no thread damage.  I have cleaned them, bead blasted them, and painted with Por-15.

 

Should I use the original sets to maintain as much " stock " as I can ?  

 

OR, are they presumed to be weakened in some way after 68 years and go with the new bolts ?

 

( Original Bolts have the flattened tops , see photos )

 

 

Thanks !

 

Clay

[Jerry Roberts]

The nuts look stronger on the old bolts , more threads to grip with . As the threads look good yet , I would wire wheel the threads on the old bolts , put a little oil on the threads and use them again . Other opinions may vary . 

[White Spyder]

I agree.

[Dodgeb4ya]

I'd use the old U bolts and nuts. Better than the new as long as not rusty or damaged in any way..

Edited August 15, 2015 by Dodgeb4ya

[50fordtruck]

I would use old ones, they are probably better steel and new ones may be made in China. 

[Conn47D24]

• All good input !  Thanks guys, I tend to stay original when possible.  I think they look " right " as well .

Thank you as always. 

 

New Thread coming.  You can tell I'm in the garage today  LOL !

[Andydodge]

Unless there is obvious damage to the original U bolts then use them............might be worth running a die nut up the U bolt threads but I'd use them over the newer ones any day.............andyd 

[deathbound]

I replaced my rear and front ('38 Plymouth) leaf springs a couple years ago and re-used the original u-bolts/nuts. I chased all the threads inside & out and everything is fine (threadwise and condition). I try to rebuild/re-use whatever I can on my car, because I prefer the original Made In USA parts over aftermarket parts that are available today.

[CoronetGuy]

Before buying my 52 dodge 2 years ago, I came from the offroad 4x4 world. To them, re-using old u-bolts is a big no no. When installed properly, they stretch. Using them again, just stretches them more. Then again, those trucks & jeeps are seeing a lot more abuse than our cars.

 

Just my 2 cents

Edited August 17, 2015 by CoronetGuy

[Dodgeb4ya]

I have stripped out re-installed replacement U bolts.

The U bolts in these old Mopars are flattened at the top. A very unique design and nice to keep original. 

I have never stripped any of these factory bolts. They are some quality tough steel.

Not at all like the modern replacement import steel U bolts...one time use only..

[Plymouthy Adams]

IF you have concerns of nuts staying locked..just double up and use the second to jamb it in place....I reuse these often myself...even when changing rear axles..the newer spring u-bolts are not often fitted with the number of leaves as the older cars and are often just too short to use..enter re-use or buying of longer animals..

 

another heads up...just because you snugged these pups up do not think they are set...after a run or two with the new install..do recheck the torque on these..

Edited August 17, 2015 by Plymouthy Adams

[Frank Elder]

IF you have concerns of nuts staying locked..just double up and use the second to jamb it in place....I reuse these often myself...even when changing rear axles..the newer spring u-bolts are not often fitted with the number of leaves as the older cars and are often just too short to use..enter re-use or buying of longer animals..

 

another heads up...just because you snugged these pups up do not think they are set...after a run or two with the new install..do recheck the torque on these..

I'm still addicted to safety wire.........

[Plymouthy Adams]

old habits that are beat into you in your youth are hard to shake in older age...the equipment I worked in the military being of electronic nature got little to no safety wiring..now if I worked this onboard the aircraft..I am sure I would have been safety wiring a number of Bendix/other brands plug back shells..dang stuff cut you to ribbons if you not careful when working around safety wired equipment

[Frank Elder]

Tim, I found an old Navy buddy today...lives NE of Elko in Hampton.