U bolt flip kit?

[FJ406]

I've got OME 2.5" suspension setup from Crusier Outfitters ready for install on my '77. Looking into options to replace rear u-bolt plates (with shock mount). Found stock-ish options at cruiser solutions. Found skid-plate versions in various places. Found 4+ u bolt flip kit, which seems a very elegant solution. Most info I found on flip kit here was regarding the version sold by man a fre, but I guess it is a 4+ original design? In my research, this site mainly, no one saying anything bad about flip kit per se.... years ago local celeb mentioned problems but did not elaborate, that I could find. OEMish/under spring plate options $135 to $180, while flip kit is $219. Flip kit pros: seems to solve some clearance problems, bonus points for clean execution, not much more $ if it functions well/does not create problems; Cons: getting away from the OEM design. Recommendations and insights welcome.

Thanks, Matt

 

[Travis 76]

I have a rear ubolt flip kit I bought from man-a-fre. It has the shock mounts. I am going to get one for the front as well when I have the cash. I like it nice and clean. Nothing to snag on while wheeling. My front u bolt plates are pretty beat up from lots of use.

 

[carreta]

buy the 4plus flip kit. You won't be disappointed. The only extra thing i did to the flip kit was to galvanize in gold the u bolts. It's a beefy great product

 

[kbahus]

I have the 4plus flip kit as well, it is a high quality product.

 

[S4Cruiser]

Go with 4plus. Super product!

 

[curtislow]

Go with 4plus. Super product!

Does using these require you to get different length shocks?

 

[Morse_FJ40]

No. The shock mount is still down near the spring pack.

 

[S4Cruiser]

No. The shock mount is still down near the spring pack.

Correct...depending on what your current lower shock mount is. Some mount on the lower plate so if that is the case then yes, it could change.

 

[65swb45]

I run Mark’s Off Road U-bolt skidplates on most of my rigs, but I have one pair of Dave’s flip kit. (NOTE: my rigs have a lot of articulation and I wheel them regularly) The nuts on the front pair gouge my bump stops and do cut into the upwards articulation.

The shock mounting on the rear I considered sub-optimal, so I ordered a non-shock model and made my own pin anchors that run up alongside the leaf pack, where the spring eye is not lower than the bottom plate.

 

[pb4ugo]

I've run flipped U bolts for a very long time. I learned a long time ago, you want to make the the underside of the vehicle protected and slippery. I made my own kit using GM U bolt plates, and purchased U bolts from a local spring shop. On my trail rig I used a U bolt skid/spring plate that is under the axle for the frt right, because I have and dana axle up frt. The pics w/the dirt run aftermarket GM top plates which are about an 1" thick. The clean pics are of my street 40, using the actual GM plates, I also made a plate for the frt right so the U bolt was flipped too. I like the aftermarket plates better, but both work well. I also made plates(pic) to go on the bottom of the springs so the U bolts won't spread apart and protects the center bolt. I also used shock pins on the spring perches.