U bolt prices

[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.

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]

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

[jcwren]

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.

[rcazwillis]

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

[weim55]

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

[TheRocket]

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

[sick472]

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]

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

[AussieinNC]

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

30-0386

[69Tom]

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]

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]

Cant beat the price!

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

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by AussieinNC

Cant beat the price!

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

You can't even beat him up on the price! What a guy!

[69Tom]

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!

[67ranchhand]

I just installed a 2” lift kit on my 67. I cheaped out and went with blocks in the rear, but it has overload springs and I wanted to keep them for the look. My u bolts weren’t long enough and I looked all over locally. Came up with nothing. Found a site online called Stengels. Got the 9/16” x12 3/4 for 50.00 shipped. They were like $7 and some change. They have all different sizes and lengths for very reasonable prices. Received them three days later.

[volksworld]

had some custom u bolts made by a local truck spring shop a while ago and while trying to research what to torque them to i found out that the same size u bolts are available in grade 5 and grade 8 (and i dont think there's any marking on the bolt to let you know...they dont have a head to stamp...)so maybe those pricey ones are grade 8?

[GMCPaul]

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]

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

[special-K]

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.