Front A-arm U-bolts - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ChevyRacefan · 01-05-2021, 04:40 AM

Hello:
At what point is it best to move to the (iirc) '73 and up bigger U-bolts.
I am going to assume, today's tire compounds & wider tires Put more loading on them in a turn.
At what point is it a good idea?
Does a street truck that get some spirited driving but not Auto crossing it.
Does lowering truck come into play on loading?
Thanks

SCOTI · 01-05-2021, 11:16 AM

If you're under the truck & doing upgrades, it's worth it. As mentioned, better tires these days & upgraded suspensions equal additional lateral grip (stress) so it's a good idea. The size was upgraded when disc brakes came out so that should be a factor as well (when upgrading to discs on a drum truck).

68 P.O.S. · 01-05-2021, 01:05 PM

It's best to do it now. it's only a matter of time before they break. The original bolts were 7/16" and some had 1/2". Both had a penchant for snapping when reversing with the steering wheel at full lock. I've had it happen before. Upgrade to the 9/16" bolts and you'll be set.

67C10Step · 01-06-2021, 09:17 AM

While I had my front end blown apart I went ahead and did the upgrade. Easy as pie. Had to open the holes in the cross member a bit but not much. Peace of mind if you are already under there working.

ChevyRacefan · 01-06-2021, 10:43 AM

Thanks guys.

01-05-2021, 04:40 AM	#1
ChevyRacefan Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Newton,N.C. Posts: 317	Front A-arm U-bolts Hello: At what point is it best to move to the (iirc) '73 and up bigger U-bolts. I am going to assume, today's tire compounds & wider tires Put more loading on them in a turn. At what point is it a good idea? Does a street truck that get some spirited driving but not Auto crossing it. Does lowering truck come into play on loading? Thanks

01-05-2021, 11:16 AM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,068	Re: Front A-arm U-bolts If you're under the truck & doing upgrades, it's worth it. As mentioned, better tires these days & upgraded suspensions equal additional lateral grip (stress) so it's a good idea. The size was upgraded when disc brakes came out so that should be a factor as well (when upgrading to discs on a drum truck). __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-05-2021, 01:05 PM	#3
68 P.O.S. Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 1,662	Re: Front A-arm U-bolts It's best to do it now. it's only a matter of time before they break. The original bolts were 7/16" and some had 1/2". Both had a penchant for snapping when reversing with the steering wheel at full lock. I've had it happen before. Upgrade to the 9/16" bolts and you'll be set. __________________ 72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo Last edited by 68 P.O.S.; 01-05-2021 at 01:13 PM.

01-06-2021, 09:17 AM	#4
67C10Step Registered User Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Beebe, AR Posts: 2,475	Re: Front A-arm U-bolts While I had my front end blown apart I went ahead and did the upgrade. Easy as pie. Had to open the holes in the cross member a bit but not much. Peace of mind if you are already under there working. __________________ 1967 C10 1980 Jeep CJ5 2020 Toyota 4Runner 2024 Toyota Tundra

01-06-2021, 10:43 AM	#5
ChevyRacefan Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Newton,N.C. Posts: 317	Re: Front A-arm U-bolts Thanks guys.



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