u-bolt issues with new BDS lift

I have searched most of the posts about u-bolt issues and mine seems alittle different. Not only are my spring plate holes 7/16 and the BDS ones are 1/2", which sounds pretty average. But the interior width is much more on the new bolts. Check out the pics and see what you think . In the one picture I am pulling all the extra space to one side to show the eccess space on my D25. for refference: 63 Willys CJ5, the rear is a D44 and the lift is BDS 3". Are these the wrong bolts or what?mehh The one wide one for the pass. side is way too big also.
thanks to all
JC

 

This is typical, almost all the lift companies send bolts made to fit the later axles, like the larger tubed later dana 44s or the dana 30 front instead of the dana 25/27. If you want them to fit right youir gonna have to go get them yourself, either at napa or a truck shop and have them bent for you.

 

I busted that one off the other day when putting shims under my front axle. Local parts store had it in stock on the shelf. 6 3/4" long, 3 1/8" ID, 7/16" bolt dia. Less than 7 bux.

 

I had the same issue with my BDS kit a couple years ago. Here is the content of my on-line chat with their tech support. The tech support guy's name is David, too. I don't agree with their solution. I had to go find suitable U-bolts. I used 1/2" DIA bolts that were properly formed to the Dana 27, so I still drilled out the keeper plates.


Chat Transcript
info: Please wait for a site operator to respond.
info: You are now chatting with 'David'
David: Welcome to the BDS web site and our live chat service. How can I help you?
David Brown: I just bought the BDS suspension kit for a 1971 CJ5 and the front U-bolts are too big. Do I have to drill out the keeper plates to make this work?
David: Yes We upgrade the u-bolts with this kit. You would want to use a 17/32" drill bit.
David Brown: OK - that's easy enough, but the distance between each leg is about 1/4" greater than stock, so I will need to slot the keeper holes. This seems a bit flimsy.
David: Just drill them with the bit centered in the original hole. Then when you put the u-bolts threw the plate squeeze them together.
David Brown: OK - I figured you were going to say that. I think your marketing should include this info so that early CJ5 owners don't get this surprise upon installation. Your upgrade is a good idea, it's just a bit frustrating when you open the kit expecting it to be a "bolt-on".
David: We do this in several different kits, Because the OEM u-bolts were so small, and the size tire that a lift kit allows you to run is so large.
David Brown: Yep - you just need to include that info with the advertising and your website info. Thanks for the assist! David
David: I have made notes in my catalog for the next printing... So that it will be outlined in the Future.
David Brown: OK - I'm headed back to the garage.

 

well David I think you just saved me a phone call ( or chat). Because I'm sure I'm not going to get any better response from the next trained dolphin on the other end I may speak to.
thanks

 

Mine were too wide also. they didn't bend them enough. I used a c clamp to squeeze em together while i tapped on the ubolt

 

I got a b bolt kit for a D27 from my local jeep shop and used them
seems the lift companies kinda do bulk stuff to save money, if you want to mess with pre D30 axles you need to order the kit separate.

 

The problem for suspension manufacturers is in our era of Jeeps, basically '55-75 there are 3 different combinations of u-bolt sizes used during that time. It's unrealistic for them to stock all of the different combo's as that takes up too much shelf space (read money) not to mention the packaging nightmare that goes along with it.

 

i am actually heading over to a shop that will bend up a pair to any spec I want for $20 including washers and nuts. He has been at it for years. He also does custom springs. So we will see..

 

Interesting. When I bought my kit from Rancho, the U-bolts diameter was 1/2" but the radius was correct for my D25 and tapered D44. I didn't really give it a second thought. Guess I just got lucky.

 

OK, so the original post I said the spring plates were 7/16"...not so much. They were 1/2" but just a little knarled and realy tight. My bad. But the radius was most definitely not compatable with my D25. Went and got the new u-bolts made today based on the radius of the old ones($30 for 4), and let me tell you, they are sweet! No clamps no damaged threads. I just asked them nicely and they jumped into the spring plate holes all by themselves. Well, almost that easy. Anyway, thanks for the advice and comments. Here is the shop just in case.
Sacramento Spring, Inc.
971 F St. West Sacramento, CA 95605
(916) 371-5124 (800) 200-5124
Email: larry@sacramentospring.com

 

My 4WD kit (probably a BDS rebranded) had the wrong u-bolts for the rear. I griped to 4WD and they sent me the correct bolts for free. I expect my stuff to work as advertised, and I'm generally not inclinded to spend MORE money to make it work as it should.

Similarly, my Alloy USA axle kit for my 73 included the wrong spindle seals. The axles came with seals for later D44 disc spindles, where an axle kit for a 72-75 should be equipped for drums. Again, 4WD took care of me for no expense.

I'm pretty happy with service at 4WD.

 

JC,
What shop in the Sacto area are you using for the U-bolts?

Don

 

Jccity6 has it listed in his last post.