U bolt prices - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69Tom · 02-05-2019, 04:54 PM

Can anyone explain to be the discrepancy in rear axle U-bolt prices? Mine are rusty as all heck and I'm sure I'll have to cut them so I'm trying to be prepared for when I have to reinstall things.

For instance:

https://www.brotherstrucks.com/60-72...ctinfo/UBOLTS/

https://www.classicparts.com/1960-72...info/74%2D751/

Any U bolts you'd recommend? I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks.

Lanman1972 · 02-05-2019, 05:15 PM

I can't help with an explanation, but I bought mine from Manes Truck Parts $17.95 each.

jcwren · 02-05-2019, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69Tom

Can anyone explain to be the discrepancy in rear axle U-bolt prices? Mine are rusty as all heck and I'm sure I'll have to cut them so I'm trying to be prepared for when I have to reinstall things.

I'd say the Brother's bolts have a black oxide finish, and you're paying for that.

weim55 · 02-05-2019, 05:32 PM

Any shop that specializes in suspension work for heavy trucks can make U bolts of any size on the spot. Prices have always been very reasonable for any that I've had made.

Steve weim55 Colorado

rcazwillis · 02-05-2019, 05:30 PM

Classic looks like a single bolt. Brothers is a pair and has a lock washer. That only explains about half the cost.

TheRocket · 02-05-2019, 05:52 PM

I bought mine from Wes at Classic Heartbeat. He has them made locally. I am very pleased with them. They should last.

sick472 · 02-05-2019, 06:08 PM

Black oxide coatings are pretty cheap, like a buck or two per u-bolt given that you supply some quanity to the coater. It cetainly does not account for the big price diffence. I would paint them regardless, so oxide finish means nothing to me. Go with the more affoardable ones or check around locally as mentioned.

Side Notes:

Not all u bolts are equal...some are longer for adding lowering blocks, but that still should not cost much more than stock

Axle u-bolts are not intended to be re-used. I know they can be, I have done it, but probably should not have. The finer threads are of higher presision than regualar ole' bolts and distort under proper torque. Consider your rusty bolts trash and get some new ones.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 02-05-2019, 07:13 PM

Not at all sure but I'd guess $65/pr = USA, ~$30/pr = China.
Just a gut feeling. I could be wrong.

**AussieinNC** · 02-05-2019, 07:40 PM

LMC U bolt, two nuts and two washers...$14.95 each....standard length..

30-0386

69Tom · 02-05-2019, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieinNC

LMC U bolt, two nuts and two washers...$14.95 each....standard length..

30-0386

They're definitely on my list, as I have a couple other items I want to get from there (I usually don't use them but they have a couple things I want).

Thanks all for the replies.

swb4me · 02-05-2019, 08:36 PM

If you pay the shipping, I'll give you this set that came in my early classic enterprises drop kit. I replaced my rear trailing arms and that kit included a set, so I didn't use these. They've been sitting on the self in my garage for 2 years, so they have a little flash rust on them. I think they'll fit in one of the usps flat rate boxes.

**AussieinNC** · 02-05-2019, 08:47 PM

Cant beat the price!

Thats what I love about this forum...its full of nice folk always willing to help....

69Tom · 02-05-2019, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swb4me

If you pay the shipping, I'll give you this set that came in my early classic enterprises drop kit. I replaced my rear trailing arms and that kit included a set, so I didn't use these. They've been sitting on the self in my garage for 2 years, so they have a little flash rust on them. I think they'll fit in one of the usps flat rate boxes.

Hey, thanks a ton! Just PM me on how to pay. Much appreciated!

**GMCPaul** · 02-07-2019, 12:53 PM

Well in regards to grade and pricing we carry the grade 8 made in usa u-bolts for coil spring trucks and sell them with the heavy duty washers and wide nuts for $50.00 a pair. They cost us twice what the imported grade 8's sell for and over 3 times more than more than the imported grade 5 cost. So the grade of bolt, nut and washer along with source play a large role in the pricing of these. My understanding is that most of the shops bend the grade 5 unless you actually specify you want grade 8.
Paul Jr. @ GMCPauls

69Tom · 02-07-2019, 06:02 PM

Cool. Thanks for all the info guys. Very helpful. And many thanks to swb4me for the bolts.

**special-K** · 02-07-2019, 08:25 PM

Why buy from specialty vendors when your local parts store or spring shop can take care of your needs? Probably be cheaper. That's what I do. I only buy the model specific parts unavailable elsewhere from the 67-72 GM Truck vendors.

02-05-2019, 04:54 PM	#1
69Tom Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,335	U bolt prices Can anyone explain to be the discrepancy in rear axle U-bolt prices? Mine are rusty as all heck and I'm sure I'll have to cut them so I'm trying to be prepared for when I have to reinstall things. For instance: https://www.brotherstrucks.com/60-72...ctinfo/UBOLTS/ https://www.classicparts.com/1960-72...info/74%2D751/ Any U bolts you'd recommend? I'm open to suggestions. Thanks.

02-05-2019, 05:15 PM	#2
Lanman1972 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Omaha NE Posts: 620	Re: U bolt prices I can't help with an explanation, but I bought mine from Manes Truck Parts $17.95 each. __________________ 1972 C10 Custom Deluxe LWB, 402/400, PS, PB, A/C, Highlander, Hugger / White 1971 C10 Cheyenne LWB (SWB), 350/350, PS, PB, A/C, Dark Olive / White.

02-05-2019, 05:32 PM	#4
weim55 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Larkspur, Colorado Posts: 916	Re: U bolt prices Any shop that specializes in suspension work for heavy trucks can make U bolts of any size on the spot. Prices have always been very reasonable for any that I've had made. Steve weim55 Colorado

02-05-2019, 05:30 PM	#5
rcazwillis Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 309	Re: U bolt prices Classic looks like a single bolt. Brothers is a pair and has a lock washer. That only explains about half the cost. __________________ Zane's 71 Build

02-05-2019, 05:52 PM	#6
TheRocket Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Goodwell, OK Posts: 63	Re: U bolt prices I bought mine from Wes at Classic Heartbeat. He has them made locally. I am very pleased with them. They should last.

02-05-2019, 06:08 PM	#7
sick472 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Sedalia Mo. Posts: 1,131	Re: U bolt prices Black oxide coatings are pretty cheap, like a buck or two per u-bolt given that you supply some quanity to the coater. It cetainly does not account for the big price diffence. I would paint them regardless, so oxide finish means nothing to me. Go with the more affoardable ones or check around locally as mentioned. Side Notes: Not all u bolts are equal...some are longer for adding lowering blocks, but that still should not cost much more than stock Axle u-bolts are not intended to be re-used. I know they can be, I have done it, but probably should not have. The finer threads are of higher presision than regualar ole' bolts and distort under proper torque. Consider your rusty bolts trash and get some new ones. __________________ He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20

02-05-2019, 07:13 PM	#8
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,509	Re: U bolt prices Not at all sure but I'd guess $65/pr = USA, ~$30/pr = China. Just a gut feeling. I could be wrong. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

02-05-2019, 07:40 PM	#9
AussieinNC Moderator Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 2,204	Re: U bolt prices LMC U bolt, two nuts and two washers...$14.95 each....standard length.. 30-0386 __________________ Family and country before all others... 2006 Chevy Silverado (Daily Driver) 2012 Chevy Equinox

02-05-2019, 08:36 PM	#11
swb4me Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: SE Idaho Posts: 154	Re: U bolt prices If you pay the shipping, I'll give you this set that came in my early classic enterprises drop kit. I replaced my rear trailing arms and that kit included a set, so I didn't use these. They've been sitting on the self in my garage for 2 years, so they have a little flash rust on them. I think they'll fit in one of the usps flat rate boxes. Attached Images

02-05-2019, 08:47 PM	#12
AussieinNC Moderator Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 2,204	Re: U bolt prices Cant beat the price! Thats what I love about this forum...its full of nice folk always willing to help.... __________________ Family and country before all others... 2006 Chevy Silverado (Daily Driver) 2012 Chevy Equinox

02-07-2019, 12:53 PM	#14
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,721	Re: U bolt prices Well in regards to grade and pricing we carry the grade 8 made in usa u-bolts for coil spring trucks and sell them with the heavy duty washers and wide nuts for $50.00 a pair. They cost us twice what the imported grade 8's sell for and over 3 times more than more than the imported grade 5 cost. So the grade of bolt, nut and washer along with source play a large role in the pricing of these. My understanding is that most of the shops bend the grade 5 unless you actually specify you want grade 8. Paul Jr. @ GMCPauls __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

02-07-2019, 06:02 PM	#15
69Tom Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,335	Re: U bolt prices Cool. Thanks for all the info guys. Very helpful. And many thanks to swb4me for the bolts.

02-07-2019, 08:25 PM	#16
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: U bolt prices Why buy from specialty vendors when your local parts store or spring shop can take care of your needs? Probably be cheaper. That's what I do. I only buy the model specific parts unavailable elsewhere from the 67-72 GM Truck vendors. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~



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