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I know I've seen this

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 65chevy, Oct 7, 2013.

  1. 65chevy

    65chevy New Member

    I'm sorry, I know I've read this somewhere in here and hate to drag this back out again, but I've searched for two hours and can't find it. I bought the BDS 2.5 lift kit and of course they sent the bolt for the Dana 30 and I have the 27....so should I go get the right bolts or modify the shock mounts for the larger bolt,.... I like the bigger diameter bolts that came with the kit but I'm unsure the best thing to do, hence I come to the gurus.... I've found the right dorman u bolt part # ......I've used all the info on here to do the disc brake swap/knuckle stub conversion and it all line up perfect, my Dad was even impressed...... as always thank you in advanced
     
    65chevy, Oct 7, 2013
    #1
  2. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    You want to use the correct diameter u bolts for your axles.
    If you have a local spring shop, that's usually a good source for them.
     
    colojeepguy, Oct 8, 2013
    #2
  3. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    The larger U bolt will be stronger, opening the holes can be an issue as you don't open them from the center. Its not like just putting a larger bit in and drill away. To do it right, the larger bit has to line up with the inside of the hole, as that is the inside line of the U bolt.

    Your choice, I never had an issue with the smaller U bolts, but I also run a D30 front now.
     
    Warloch, Oct 8, 2013
    #3
  4. 65chevy

    65chevy New Member

    Thank you gentleman, I thought I'd read that in here when I did the research from my lift kit. My dad said something about using a carbide bit in a die grinder to open up the holes but I wondered if it would weaken the mounts or be easier for the u bolt to pull threw (I kinda live by Murphy's law) and would rather be safe than sorry
     
    65chevy, Oct 8, 2013
    #4
  5. 1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Check with NAPA, too. That is where I got the ubolts for the '60.
     
    1960willyscj5, Oct 8, 2013
    #5
  6. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    'Most' spring plates should be fine with opening them with a carbide bur. Just make sure the opening is not any narrower than the ones to the sides as an example. Rule of thumb I use - needs to have at least 66% diam of the bolt in material around for a full load hold.
     
    Warloch, Oct 8, 2013
    #6
  7. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I have just opened them up with a larger size drill and it fit fine. YMMV.
     
    PeteL, Oct 8, 2013
    #7
  8. AKCJ

    AKCJ Active Member

    Yep. That's what I did many years ago. It's been fine - including some hard wheeling.

    Just for info. Dana 30 axle tube size is 2 1/2" and Dana 27 axle tube is 2 1/4".
     
    AKCJ, Oct 9, 2013
    #8