Trimming U-Bolts

[Duster]

I installed TPI's Smokey Mountain lift in my 60 a while back. (Been real happy with it thus far, BTW.)

Question is, what's the best way to trim the excess off the U-bolts without wrecking the threads? Rears are okay but the fronts extend well below the base of the spring seats.

 

[2badfjs]

Do You Plan On

taking them back off? if not dont worry about it, cut them anyway you can. or find some nuts to thread on the bolts, cut the rest of the bolt off and unscrew the nuts. threads should be fine.

 

[Duster]

Don't necessarily plan on taking them back off, but would like to be able to without cutting everything apart. If they were meant to permanent they'd be welded in place, right?

Thanks for the idea just the same...sounds like backing a nut off after cutting just might do the trick. I'll probably guinea pig an old one in the vice first...just to be sure.

taking them back off? if not dont worry about it, cut them anyway you can. or find some nuts to thread on the bolts, cut the rest of the bolt off and unscrew the nuts. threads should be fine.

 

[dmwberg]

Cut em off ragged. U bolts are designed to stretch when installed. Thats why you have to re torque them a few times. If you ever remove them they should be replaced! They're just not designed to be reused.

 

[60wag]

The rocks will bugger the threads sooner or later. I hate cutting the bolts. Mostly because its a pain, but also partly because I like my bolts to have nice square ends with a chamfer - like they were cut on a lathe. Lopping them off under the truck isn't going to look good but what are you going to do? I've tried metal cutting blades in a sawzall and cutoff wheels in a right angle grinder. Both worked but still were a PITA.

 

[brownbear]

if you have an air die grinder with a nice thin cut off wheel they are removed pretty quick. otherwise hacksaw. cheapie auto parts shops should sell die grinders and attachments for not too much. thats if you have air in your garage. princess auto up here has it all for cheap.

 

[KLF]

I wouldn't worry about trying to keep the threads intact. Those darned things are like rock magnets... the first time you go off-road you'll be banging the bottoms of those U-bolts on all sorts of rocks.

I prefer a thin cut-off wheel in my 4-1/2" hand grinder, they slice right off. Be sure to wear gloves, goggles, and even a face shield if you have one. Close quarters under there and it's hard to get out of the way of the sparks and flying dust.

 

[soggy60]

I did all 16 'extra pieces' with my dremel & 3 c/o wheels,,,,about 15 minutes work.

 

[PabloCruise]

Cut-off wheel gets my vote...

 

[REKCUT]

SOR or Cool Cruiser has a box that replaces the bottom springplate and keeps the ends from getting beat up

 

[NocalFJ60]

I like man a fre 4 plus flip over u bolt kit.. It is very heavy duty and looks nice.

 

[toolman]

dremal is the way

I agree. I did mine with a dremal and the thin cutoff wheels. It was easy and cheap, you know, just like all us guys.

 

[PabloCruise]

I like man a fre 4 plus flip over u bolt kit.. It is very heavy duty and looks nice.

But if you add the cost of the kit to new springs, I'd SOA...