Rear Axle U- Bolt Width question

[Blitz]

I dont want to do anything stupid.

I have a parts truck, with the stock M 715 Dana 70 rear axle, and a spare rear Dana 70 that I want to do a direct swap with.

The parts truck will eventually run again... its not far off actually.

The U bolt measurements for the rear are 8 and 1/2 inches from the top of the U bolt to the end of the threads.

The pitch is 1/2 inch fine thread.
All that is good to go..

the U bolts that I'm looking at are 3 and 5/8 inches wide, between the threads
The stock spring perches require 4 inch spacing.
I "think" CL to CL... but I'm not 100 % on that.

What is your opinion about stretching these to fit 3/8th's of an inch in width?

From reading here , I understand about not re- using the stock U- bolts, due to thread pitch cut and possibility of breaking if You re- use the old U bolts.

So.. they get replaced.

Do you guys think I can get by with stretching these that 3/8 th's of an inch in width ?

Just dont want to do anything stupid. "again" : )

[IMG][/IMG]

[jeepdan]

That might put too sharp of a bend on the u bolts at the plate under the nuts.

[MrNeutron]

Here were my ubolts after sand blasting the mud and rust away.

[Blitz]

Holy Bat sheeet Mr Neutron !!
umm you still running those?

( Staying off the highways if ya are )

Good call Jeepdan.

I will try to find another source as a backup, preferably a manufacturer with technical drawings.

When people re- use U bolts... is it a "they have stretched" issue or a "they will break" issue?

Just curious as to the "final answer".

I wont be re- using them this go around... but they will be ending up in the spare parts bin

[MrNeutron]

Heck yeah I stayed off the highway. Also the rear brake lines were rotted away too!

But since then I've replaced the ubolts and restrung all new brake lines.

There are NOS replacement ubolts for the rear still readily availible and cheep.

[Blitz]

I have to ask then...
Did You get the set on E bay from old dog? for like 20 bucks for a set of 4?

Cause thats what I'm looking at... and hence my width question...

looks like they come wrapped in the oil impregnated military brown paper...

If thats what you ordered, did they fly as far as width ?

Thanks for the Scary Halloween pics... geesh !!!!

[MrNeutron]

I got these on ebay. 4 of them. They fit just fine.

[Blitz]

Lol...
Figures....

Those are the spensive ones...

Thanks for the replies Mr Neutron.

I may have to go that route...
I already have those saved in the watch list.

Just trying to save a little beer money to forward to the helper.

I just cant man handle these darn axles alone...
I admit it...
I got older and didnt take notice, till this swap came up.

[MrNeutron]

4 ubolts for $32.50 from saturn surplus.

[jeepdan]

That picture is simply amazing

The u bolts that Saturn Surplus have are the outer ones, but you probably already know that.
Not sure why they are selling four at a time.
I didn't think that they would fit the larger diameter (inner part of axle tube).
Looks like you made it work with the rust reduced axle tubes.

AB Linn had the inner u bolts dirt cheap, but, I think that he scraped most of them