4" Lift kit, Wrong U-Bolts - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mil-Spec · 04-16-2011, 09:47 AM

Hey everybody I'm finishing up my "winter" project of installing my Rough Country 4" lift kit.

Front went on like a champ, but when i got to rear axle it would seem they sent undersized U-bolts. The I.D. of the originals measures at approx. 3.5 inches and the ones RC sent measure at 3.25 inches.

Any suggestions as what to do?

Contact RC and see what they'll do? Contact a local spring shop? Throw a ratchet strap on the u-bolt and pull the splay in? (half-kidding)

Anyone else run into this type of issue?

Thanks

propanemudtruck · 04-16-2011, 01:34 PM

Over 1/4", I would assume you should be able to get them around the axletube just fine still. Cover the threads, tap it on the axle, should be able to get the plate on.

TheWhiteElephant · 04-16-2011, 03:18 PM

They have good customer service from my experience. I'm sure they'll send you replacements. I would not contact a local shop to make some for you. They are VERY expensive here where I live. If I recall, the last time I needed a set of 4 when I did my 14boltFF conversion I paid $95(!)

Altec · 04-16-2011, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWhiteElephant

They have good customer service from my experience. I'm sure they'll send you replacements. I would not contact a local shop to make some for you. They are VERY expensive here where I live. If I recall, the last time I needed a set of 4 when I did my 14boltFF conversion I paid $95(!)

You got bent over.

Spec- Call Rough Country. They'll get you sorted out.

TheWhiteElephant · 04-17-2011, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altec

You got bent over.

Spec- Call Rough Country. They'll get you sorted out.

Not when it's the only place within a 4 hour driving distance that will do it and I was doing this on a borrowed driveway on a one-day time limit to my daily driver. We all live in different places, altec. No need for the pirate4X4 comments.

Kabina · 04-22-2011, 10:23 PM

Hold one side of the u-bolt with the threads up and smack it off of something solid right on the arch and it should open up for you.
You might need to do it a couple times.

DavTay · 04-25-2011, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kabina

Hold one side of the u-bolt with the threads up and smack it off of something solid right on the arch and it should open up for you.
You might need to do it a couple times.

I think that spreading it at the arch might get it around the axle but then good luck getting the threads back thru the spring backing plate (if that what it's called)

If you have the time make then send you the correct U-Bolts.

OrrieG · 04-25-2011, 04:12 PM

I have found wood working pipe clamps work good for spreading or tightening up u-bolts. Seem like on mine there was one on each corner that needed some assistance. If the arch diameter matching the axle diameter is the critical part (and length to get required exposed threads when tightening).

04-16-2011, 09:47 AM	#1
Mil-Spec Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 109	4" Lift kit, Wrong U-Bolts Hey everybody I'm finishing up my "winter" project of installing my Rough Country 4" lift kit. Front went on like a champ, but when i got to rear axle it would seem they sent undersized U-bolts. The I.D. of the originals measures at approx. 3.5 inches and the ones RC sent measure at 3.25 inches. Any suggestions as what to do? Contact RC and see what they'll do? Contact a local spring shop? Throw a ratchet strap on the u-bolt and pull the splay in? (half-kidding) Anyone else run into this type of issue? Thanks __________________ SEMPER FORTIS U.S. NAVY 97-05 USAF 94-97

04-16-2011, 01:34 PM	#2
propanemudtruck Local Redneck Authority Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 584	Re: 4" Lift kit, Wrong U-Bolts Over 1/4", I would assume you should be able to get them around the axletube just fine still. Cover the threads, tap it on the axle, should be able to get the plate on. __________________ -Kevin four on the floor feel the beat in your soul movin to the rhythym pumpin til ya cant take no more dance if you want to do what you came to you cant ignore the feeling of that four on the floor

04-16-2011, 03:18 PM	#3
TheWhiteElephant God is good! Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 689	Re: 4" Lift kit, Wrong U-Bolts They have good customer service from my experience. I'm sure they'll send you replacements. I would not contact a local shop to make some for you. They are VERY expensive here where I live. If I recall, the last time I needed a set of 4 when I did my 14boltFF conversion I paid $95(!) __________________ Mando *"It takes a smart man to know when he's stupid." -- Barney Rubble* My build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=430367

04-22-2011, 10:23 PM	#6
Kabina Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: pa Posts: 5	Re: 4" Lift kit, Wrong U-Bolts Hold one side of the u-bolt with the threads up and smack it off of something solid right on the arch and it should open up for you. You might need to do it a couple times.

04-25-2011, 04:12 PM	#8
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 4" Lift kit, Wrong U-Bolts I have found wood working pipe clamps work good for spreading or tightening up u-bolts. Seem like on mine there was one on each corner that needed some assistance. If the arch diameter matching the axle diameter is the critical part (and length to get required exposed threads when tightening). __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project Last edited by OrrieG; 04-25-2011 at 04:15 PM.



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