Suspension Blues

[bosco200]

Heres the story, When I first got my truck, the differential who moved when I shifted, cuz the plates that it sit on were rusted threw, so i just welded the u joints to the diff, yes i know now very good idea, well anyways here i am 3 years later, I go to put some water in my radiator, i parked on a slightly slanted hill, put some in, get in, push my clutch in, then boom!...I was like, was I on a stick or something, ill go look....Well my whole bed is almost sitting on my right tire, the control arm is laying on the ground, and the U bolt is snapped in half....now i tried grinding the u bolt off, really hard to hit the welds with that, now im going to try and torch it VERY carefully......heres some pics.......

[bosco200]

one more pic....

[lil hoodlum]

Ouch! At least you weren't driving down the freeway. Hope you get it all worked out.

Keith

[Clyde65]

do you have new u-bolts? I would definitely replace both

[bosco200]

I'm workin on getting new ones, does Autozone carry them?
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[usmcchevy]

Originally Posted by bosco200

I'm workin on getting new ones, does Autozone carry them?
Posted via Mobile Device

Never seen a U bolt go, seems the trailing arms go first. Don't think AZ will have it, but any spring shop can make them.

[70cst]

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

Ouch! At least you weren't driving down the freeway. Hope you get it all worked out.

Keith

I agree 100% Hate to see it happen but it could have been a lot worse.

[bosco200]

Well what I didn't want to happen, happen, put I tiny hole in the diff when I was cutting it off with the torch, can I just weld it back shut?
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[project 67 sub]

yes you should be able to if you have a strong enough welder to do it.

[Robznob11]

I have seen many diff u bolts in the back warehouse of my local napa they should be able to match one up
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[bosco200]

Well I went to Napa, and they didnt have any, and they couldnt even order one for me.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by bosco200

I'm workin on getting new ones, does Autozone carry them?
Posted via Mobile Device

Buy them from member way2lo2.
He's a board supporting Vendor.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=454824

[bigdog57]

I have a '70 GMC with Leaf springs on the back. When i replaced the springs with heavier ones az had the square u-bolts that were long enough to fit.(napa did not). You may try them especially if you have one to match up with.

[Boog]

Originally Posted by bosco200

Well I went to Napa, and they didnt have any, and they couldnt even order one for me.

really? I recently did a search for u bolts for my GMC and found plenty listed but I don't remember at which parts store. I'm looking for it again.
There are 43 listed at Advance Auto Parts if you have one near you.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...p2HomeClicked=

[BlazinC5]

Try looking into auto carage shops, or truck shops like 4-wheel supply stores or rigging supply stores. I have had a few made back when I was into 4 wheeling. Essentialy it starts as a straight length of rod with the ends threaded, The threads are important too. Try your best to find ones with Rolled threads ,, not cut threads.. Rolled are much stronger. Once a length has been established from your old U-bolt they put it in a press and presto a "U"... Semi trucks and trailers break those often enough that alot of the repair shops keep a supply on hand.. they may even be able to direct you to someone who has the correct stuff if they don't have it. And keep in mind, They aren't that expencive, so do both u-bolts at the same time.. it's good peace of mind...

[bosco200]

Ok thanks for all the help guys, ill let you know what I find.

[bosco200]

Well i got to thinkin, and I just relized there was someone in my town that sells diffrentials, and puts diffs in lifted trucks, ill give him a call

[cpetersen]

Go to www.spectrac.com . You can get any U-bolt you want.

[Ackattack]

I have a brand new set of u-bolts on my shelf, PM me if you're interested in them.

[bosco200]

Ok I got a new U bolt made, and got it all put back together, FINALLY...I was starting to have withdraws from not driving my truck