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I know I've seen this

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

  1. Oct 7, 2013
    65chevy

    65chevy New Member

    Nashville Tn
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2011
    Messages:
    32
    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. Oct 8, 2013
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
    Messages:
    7,155
    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. Oct 8, 2013
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,469
    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. Oct 8, 2013
    65chevy

    65chevy New Member

    Nashville Tn
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2011
    Messages:
    32
    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. Oct 8, 2013
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
    Messages:
    2,793
    Check with NAPA, too. That is where I got the ubolts for the '60.
     
    1960willyscj5, Oct 8, 2013
    #5
  6. Oct 8, 2013
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,469
    '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. Oct 8, 2013
    PeteL

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

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,804
    I have just opened them up with a larger size drill and it fit fine. YMMV.
     
    PeteL, Oct 8, 2013
    #7
  8. Oct 9, 2013
    AKCJ

    AKCJ Active Member

    Fairbanks, Alaska
    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2003
    Messages:
    1,035
    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
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