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72 Leaf Springs U-bolt Question

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by 72CJ5_NJ, Jun 24, 2019.

  1. Jun 24, 2019
    72CJ5_NJ

    72CJ5_NJ New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2010
    Messages:
    21
    Looking for some guidance here as a 2 hour long project heads into its 2nd week. V8 engine

    Its been way harder finding the right size u-bolts than I anticipated. I have 2.56 inch that fit the plates well, but when I put them over the axle they stretch out about 1/8 and then I am needing to use a channel lock to get them in the holes. Before I tighten them down, is that normal?

    For the fronts my U-bolts align up with the plates- 7/16 but one has to over the pumpkin and now thats pushing the spacing out too much.

    Any help would be appreciated
     
  2. Jun 24, 2019
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
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    7,540
    Are the U-bolts "square" or towed in? You get what I mean...Right? Sometimes I've had to bend/spread the U-bolts on the workbench prior to installing.
     
  3. Jun 24, 2019
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,513
    Maybe these charts from the Jeep parts book can help with width and dimensions for factory application.
    For your 72 CJ5,
    Use model 83/84 S6/V8 application.
    Note the 1 wider for the front axle.
    The rears (4) should be all the same.
    Questions, ask away.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    FinoCJ and ITLKSEZ like this.
  4. Jun 24, 2019
    72CJ5_NJ

    72CJ5_NJ New Member

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    They are towed in for the rear so they fit snug all the way around. The fronts are squared, so I think thats going to be the next problem. The originals werent squared off
     
  5. Jun 24, 2019
    72CJ5_NJ

    72CJ5_NJ New Member

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    This is great, thank you so much.
     
  6. Jun 25, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    Here is that list again:

    Here are the relevent part numbers fromNAPA, for U-bolts that would be used on most Jeeps. My local NAPA actually carries most of these in stock.


    NAPA part #'s Thread Ø / Axle tube Ø/ length

    650-4082 - 3/8 x 2.0 x 4.0 long
    650-4079 - 7/16 x 2.0 x 6.0 long
    650-4012 - 7/16 x 2.5 x 6.5 long
    650-4023 - 7/16 x 2.75 x 6.75 long
    650-4026 - 7/16 x 2.81 x 8.0 long
    650-4075 - 7/16 x 3.0 x 7.5 long
    650-4022 - 7/16 x 3.12 x 6.75 long
    650-4076 - 1/2 x 2.5 x 8.25 long
    650-4003 - 1/2 x 2.88 x 7.0 long
    650-4077 - 1/2 x 3.0 x 11.75 long
    650-4028 - 1/2 x 3.0 x 8.0 long
    650-4001 - 1/2 x 3.13 x 6.50 long
    650-4014 - 1/2 x 3.25 x 9.0 long
    650-4002 - 1/2 x 3.50 x 7.50 long
    650-4025 - 1/2 x 3.5 x 8.0 long
    650-4053 - 9/16 x 3.0 x 7.25 long
    650-4078 - 9/16 x 3.25 x 8.0 long
    650-4036 - 9/16 x 3.37 x 7.0 long
    650-4041 - 9/16 x 3.37 x 8.0 long
    650-4034 - 9/16 x 3.37 x 10.0 long
    650-4080 - 9/16 x 3.75 x 8.0 long
    650-4081 - 9/16 x 3.75 x 12.75 long


    Leg length is from inside bottom of U to bottom of threaded leg.
    Measurements are in inches.

    Early 5 with a dana 30 axle uses:
    (1) 650-4022
    (3) 650-4012

    Early 5 with flanged dana 44 uses:
    (4) 650-4023
    Thanks again mcruff
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2019
  7. Jun 25, 2019
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
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    8,513
    I was able to buy a set for my D44 off set flanged from Pro Comp.
    These are different than the D44 centered so measure carefully.
    It MAY have been p/n 50030, so measuring is important.
     
  8. Jun 25, 2019
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    Oct 6, 2003
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    I am lucky. We have a place here [Six States] That makes U bolts .. Just take an old one in, or give them a dimension, and they make it. On my 75, I have one in the front that goes over the flange on the pumpkin on the inside passenger side. That bolt has to be a bit wider. And the holes spaced wider as well..

    As for the channel locks, I feel your pain. I took a large "C" clamp and welded 1/2" angle iron on the faces.. Just a piece about an inch long. Used it to compress the offending Ubolts. Seems they always are a tad too wide..
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2019
  9. Jun 26, 2019
    72CJ5_NJ

    72CJ5_NJ New Member

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    Jul 10, 2010
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    Thanks- I was worried it could sheer or something if I "worked" it in. Never a dull moment
     
  10. Jun 26, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    The u-bolts are under massive tension in service, so a little offset in the bend should not matter. When I fit my lift kit, I removed the old bolts with a die grinder and cut-off disk. That will wake you up - they let go with a bang like a rifle shot.
     
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