ubolt flip

[crusier72]

I'm working on my ubolt flips so far I have the GM Plates> GMPartsDirect.com. Part # is 15592588
The 5/8" u bolts I got bent at fleetpride for a really good price they bent them while I waited.
I have the steel I'm going to machine to locate the u bolts under the springs. The only thing I haven't figured out is what to do about my rear shock mounts on the axle. I like RuffStuffs mounts but am trying to find a cheaper way, am I just waisting time trying not to buy them.http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/axle-side-mount-shock-brackets-p-210.html
I don't want to weld a tab on the mounts like Man-A-Fre's because that's where mine are now and I already damaged one shock because they are to low.
For those that don't know these are for a SUA rig. Like Man-A-Fre's but cheaper. http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/axle-side-mount-shock-brackets-p-210.html

 

[foxfab]

trailgear has nice weld on lower shock mounts for cheap. YOu'd need to relocate the top mounts higher though.

 

[crusier72]

Trail gears won't work for what I want, I need them off the bottom of the tube.
I Machined the plates today that mount to the bottom of the springs unfortunately I messed one up and now only have three. I know better I should of got enough to make a mistake.
I put the rears on and used the stock shock mount on the axle and re drilled some 5/8" holes through the cross member to mount the uppers slightly farther in. I cant wait to scratch them.

 

[green40]

Looks good! Must be nice to have "skills".

Lane

 

[crusier72]

Some skills, some time, but no money.

 

[crusier72]

installed

I really like how smooth the bottom looks.

 

[green40]

So how much do you think the cost of doing it yourself was?
You couldn't find the right size u-bolts?
Could you have made the plates welding pieces together
to give you the grooves?

Lane

 

[crusier72]

It cost me about 131 to do the four.
47 for the 8 u bolts
15 for the steel
69 Chevy plates
The u bolts I had made because it was cheapest.
If I do something else with the shocks add in a couple of dollars for the steel.
Yes you could just weld up some plates to locate the u bolts.

 

[zebrabeefj40]

You couldn't find the right size u-bolts?

Lane

While I can't speak for Mark; I can speak to this part of your post. I have found it is often cheaper to have the u-bolts made at a local spring shop than to buy an off the rack u-bolt in the same size. There are quite a few shops around Boston that can do this. I have used a place in Brighton in the past, Brighton Spring or Alston Spring IIRC. Got parts that fit at a price I was happy to pay.

Nick

 

[green40]

Not a bad price, all 4 for less than you'd pay for one Manafre kit.
I've seen the write-ups here on Mud, and was always interested in trying it.
Take the day off and go trail test it.
We'll expect a write-up on it tonight!

 

[Mbrantley]

They came out very nice, I like how you machined a thick plate instead of welding some segments together to hold the ubolts in place (my origional idea) nice and smoooooth

Now you need to get rid of it's pot belly ;p

 

[1Fine40]

Do you have the code for your cadd drawing on those plates? Looks mighty sweet and could be done by another CNC elsewhere?

Thanks!

 

[82cruiser]

Nice job Mark, looks great.

 

[crusier72]

It's a couple of passes and the ends are ground on a big sander. It only takes a couple of minutes to program. I don't have access to it.
They are great I can power the springs over rocks and stumps that would just hang me up before.

 

[cruiserland]

I really like how smooth the bottom looks.

oh you say that to all the trucks

 

[Q-BALL]

lol @ cruiserland

 

[landcru79]

Hey Cruiser72, are you using SolidWorks as a product? That image of the plate looks like something from SolidWorks.

 

[thepinktaco]

The 5/8" u bolts I got bent at fleetpride for a really good price they bent them while I waited.

When I needed them for my truck a few years ago I worked next door so I ran over on lunch thinking I was going to have to go back and pick them up but he had them bent up in a few mins. I think they were only $20 for the 4.