Broken U-Bolt with 2" Blocks

MXC_Rider · May 9, 2004

Hey all,

i just installed a set of 2" blocks on my '98 Silverado Ext 4X4. The kit came with a new set of (square) u-bolts which i installed as well. I drove the truck around for a while after the install and evrything seemed fine. Woke up this morning and went outside and found half a u-bolt sitting on the ground under the rear axle. I'm pretty sure i didn't over torqure these things. The instructions read "torque between 50 and 100 ft/lbs". I figured middle of the road so i went with 75. The kit came from Autozone so maybe they were POS afterall???

My question is, does anyone know if the factory 2500 bolts are longer than the 1500? I'd like to use stock GM bolts but they obviously don't fit with the 2" blocks. I figured the 2500's might be longer just hope they aren't a larger diameter. I wont take a chance now and need to replace all of the u-bolts as soon as possible before i can drive the truck again.

By the way, the truck has 285's, Ford Keys, and Rancho's all around.

Thanks in advance for the help.....

Chuck

Valsport · May 9, 2004

I know on my 2001 Z71 silverado it came with 2" blocks from the factory. You could buy the U Bolts that are used on these newer trucks that come with the block, they should work fine. Also a good place to get quality U bolts made by Superlift is from national tire and wheel..... http://www.natltire.com/

They won't have thier U Bolts listed on thier website but they have them, you've just gotta give them a call.

jarednut4ever · May 10, 2004

I had the same problem it seems you can't torque those bolts at all. I guess trucks like ours with the leaf springs above the axel don't need much torque. I borke two of mine and finally found out you only need about 40-50 ft lbs. any more then that you will break them. good luck, Jared

MXC_Rider · May 13, 2004

Jared,

i ended up with the same conclusion you did...i'm using about 50 ft. Lbs. on them right now...driven the truck for some time now and even went off road...no issues with the U-bolts and no movemnet on the axle...

-Chuck

ChevyHDGert · May 14, 2004

A buddy of mine had the same exact problem with his U-bolts that he got from Autozone for his 1500HD. He drove it for a few days and one if his u-bolts snapped too. He ended up getting beefier u-bolts.

I have the exact same u-bolts and blocks from Autozone and have had no problems.