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Rear U-bolt torque spec?

Stronger800
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Stronger800 Enthusiast

Stronger800

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A guy would think that a quality (not a cheap one) lift block and leveling kit would have come with directions..... But mine didn't.  Found generic directions on their websight that say to use the factory spec.  Anybody know what that is in a '18 sierra 1500?  I've installed over a dozn sets of u bolts  but they were mostly on 3/4-1 ton (fords) and they were all in the 135ft/lb area.  I think the last haf ton 1/2" bolts  I did were 90 ft/lbs.. I'm seeing things online that say these may only be 65/75 lbs. Seems light?  I'd rather not say the brand I purchased and have it look poorly for them.  I'll post pics when it's done though. Thanks 

nominion Enthusiast

nominion

Posted
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Fairly confident it's 80 ft/lbs.  That's what I tightened mine to after I determined they weren't tight from the factory.

1SLOW1500 Senior Enthusiast

1SLOW1500

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I looked it up 2 weeks ago but can't remember. Something silly like 60 then go back and 70 or 75. But there is also posts stating the u bolts are one time use. Some agree some people don't. Anyway I feel for the money people should just buy the larger aftermarket ones and there spec is 120 and states they are re usable. just my opinion 

Stronger800 Enthusiast

Stronger800

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I actually just found instruction for the kit I purchased, listed through another vendor, and it says 120.   With the thick washers and deep nuts, and lubricated threads. So that's what I'll do.  I know I use to take similar sized U -bolts to 200ft/lbs, 20-25 years ago, when I as younger and didn't know much.  I remember borrowing my uncles wrench, because it went to 250,and  mine only to 150.   I also had the rear axle/springs etc out of that truck atleast 3x, had it for four or five years, and never replaced the U bolts. So they were way over torqued, several times. It had significantly more weight  and traction than this truck too. Not as much Hp though. 

Nitrousbird Enthusiast

Nitrousbird

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11 hours ago, 1SLOW1500 said:

I looked it up 2 weeks ago but can't remember. Something silly like 60 then go back and 70 or 75. But there is also posts stating the u bolts are one time use. Some agree some people don't. Anyway I feel for the money people should just buy the larger aftermarket ones and there spec is 120 and states they are re usable. just my opinion 

Any aftermarket recommendation?  I'd much prefer a multi-use U-bolt.

1SLOW1500 Senior Enthusiast

1SLOW1500

Posted
Posted
6 minutes ago, Nitrousbird said:

Any aftermarket recommendation?  I'd much prefer a multi-use U-bolt.

No I didn't buy new ones yet. Had I researched it ahead of time I would have. If anyone comes up with a link please post up. Believe it or not this is a HUGE issue lift/lower guys run into. Stock with lowered and spacer/leaf removed you run out of threads on the u bolts. big lift with shims(gm recall) one u bolt is shorter. 

I will add this to my list of parts to order..

Nitrousbird Enthusiast

Nitrousbird

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@1SLOW1500 agreed.  I intend to level by removing the block and doing 2" drop shackles.  Mine's a Z71 truck but I find trucks look silly with front lifts to level without larger tires, which I'm not looking to do.  Front lifts also have the potential for problems and warranty concerns - less likely with dropping the rear.

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Yondu Enthusiast

Yondu

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My lift block u bolts had a different thread pitch than oem, much finer - given that I don't think the oem torque spec applies.  

 

I know they were extremely tight stock on my 18, my cordless impact had a tough time taking them off.  When I put them on I think I went 100 or 120. My memory fails me at the moment.  

rjpoog1989 Enthusiast

rjpoog1989

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I’m pretty certain my AAL instructions said 90ft/lbs. I reused the oem bolts because I figured with the AAL I’d be tightening the nut on different threads.  

Stronger800 Enthusiast

Stronger800

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Mine are on with 120, as of tonight.   120 was two turns tighter than 100.  Stock ones were not very tight. I removed  them with my 1/4" impact driver. Given, it also removed the wheels, and I know I had those at 140ft/lbs.   little Milwaukee fuel impact is handy.  

Stronger800 Enthusiast

Stronger800

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6 hours ago, rjpoog1989 said:

I’m pretty certain my AAL instructions said 90ft/lbs. I reused the oem bolts because I figured with the AAL I’d be tightening the nut on different threads.  

It's not about the threads, it's about the bolt itself. Although I know lots of shops/dealers that reuse those bolts too. 

rjpoog1989 Enthusiast

rjpoog1989

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8 hours ago, Stronger800 said:

It's not about the threads, it's about the bolt itself. Although I know lots of shops/dealers that reuse those bolts too. 

I thought the tourque stretched the threads.

 

On my old truck I used new ones, but this truck isn’t that old.  I’m not too worried about reusing oem.

Yondu Enthusiast

Yondu

Posted
Posted
15 hours ago, Stronger800 said:

Mine are on with 120, as of tonight.   120 was two turns tighter than 100.  Stock ones were not very tight. I removed  them with my 1/4" impact driver. Given, it also removed the wheels, and I know I had those at 140ft/lbs.   little Milwaukee fuel impact is handy.  

One hell of a 1/4" impact driver!!  I used a 1/2" impact wrench and it was having a tough time removing my stock ones.  It takes the lug nuts off with less issue.

 

I've heard a lot of people say their stock ones were loose, my truck is only a few months old so perhaps they fixed that issue.

kevinfranklin Enthusiast

kevinfranklin

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On 12/26/2018 at 8:56 AM, Nitrousbird said:

Any aftermarket recommendation?  I'd much prefer a multi-use U-bolt.

I agree....... we'd appreciate links to quality aftermarket U-bolts from anyone whose done the research.

thanks!!

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