WI WTB: U-bolt plates for 14 bolt rear axle - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**DeadheadNM** · 05-22-2021, 07:55 AM

I believe these are Ruff Stuff. Hoping to ditch the OE plates but holes would be helpful. Guy I bought these from told me he’s seen full thickness rust out of axle tubes from the OE plate design.

**396ci** · 05-24-2021, 07:50 PM

I have these. Measurement across the opening is 3.25", is that the right size?

**DeadheadNM** · 05-24-2021, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 396ci

I have these. Measurement across the opening is 3.25", is that the right size?

Thanks. Those look good might be just short though. The axle tube OD is 3.375”.

**396ci** · 05-24-2021, 08:35 PM

Almost wonder if you need this style? Came off a 77 dually with the Dana 70hd axle. Part number 327224. Measures 3.75" and had the factory rear sway bar.

**DeadheadNM** · 05-24-2021, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 396ci

Almost wonder if you need this style? Came off a 77 dually with the Dana 70hd axle. Part number 327224. Measures 3.75" and had the factory rear sway bar.

Brian thanks. Here’s what mine currently looks like. Pretty sure it’s that first style - like a bowl designed to store water. I learned the post 99 14 bolt tubes went to a 3.5” diameter from 3.375”. I’m optimistic the plates I have will work for the long haul. I’ll coat them with POR-15 and a top coat ahead of install.

Killer Bee · 05-24-2021, 09:36 PM

holy smokes - and new u bolts stat!

crazy how such a nice rig can have such a dirty little secret

good luck sizing up new hardware and I agree on the drain hole idea..

and keep the mud and road salt (if applicable) washed out of there as much as possible..

**DeadheadNM** · 05-24-2021, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killer Bee

holy smokes - and new u bolts stat!

crazy how such a nice rig can have such a dirty little secret

good luck sizing up new hardware and I agree on the drain hole idea..

and keep the mud and road salt (if applicable) washed out of there as much as possible..

Lol! Exactly. The u bolts are sad. Surprisingly I can’t find and rust or bubbling paint on the body. This corner of the axle is the worst on the whole rig. People (Larry) have had k2500 rear axles break loose. Planned obsolescence or just cheap stamped plate design? We’ll. Ever know.

The new plates I have will flip the U bolts so no more puddle collecting.

**Ol Blue K20** · 05-25-2021, 07:18 AM

I would replace the spring center bolts too...

**DeadheadNM** · 05-25-2021, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

I would replace the spring center bolts too...

Thanks Dale - I’ll ensure those are replaced if not solid. I also figured I might as well replace the 20 yo shocks and found the same OEM Bilstein examples. Hope to get many years more service from the truck.

**Ol Blue K20** · 05-25-2021, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Thanks Dale - I’ll ensure those are replaced if not solid. I also figured I might as well replace the 20 yo shocks and found the same OEM Bilstein examples. Hope to get many years more service from the truck.

Nice! The shocks look great.

Killer Bee · 05-25-2021, 01:53 PM

great shocks! I expect nothing less from the king of OEM

05-22-2021, 07:55 AM	#26
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,449	Re: WTB: U-bolt plates for 14 bolt rear axle I believe these are Ruff Stuff. Hoping to ditch the OE plates but holes would be helpful. Guy I bought these from told me he’s seen full thickness rust out of axle tubes from the OE plate design. __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

05-24-2021, 07:50 PM	#27
396ci Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 810	Re: WTB: U-bolt plates for 14 bolt rear axle I have these. Measurement across the opening is 3.25", is that the right size? Attached Images __________________ Brian XNGH ECV Chapter 58 1972 Jimmy / Blazer Project 2wd 1974 Chevy Crew Cab Shorty

05-24-2021, 08:35 PM	#29
396ci Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 810	Re: WTB: U-bolt plates for 14 bolt rear axle Almost wonder if you need this style? Came off a 77 dually with the Dana 70hd axle. Part number 327224. Measures 3.75" and had the factory rear sway bar. Attached Images __________________ Brian XNGH ECV Chapter 58 1972 Jimmy / Blazer Project 2wd 1974 Chevy Crew Cab Shorty

05-24-2021, 09:36 PM	#31
Killer Bee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Barber City, CA Posts: 4,816	Re: WTB: U-bolt plates for 14 bolt rear axle holy smokes - and new u bolts stat! crazy how such a nice rig can have such a dirty little secret good luck sizing up new hardware and I agree on the drain hole idea.. and keep the mud and road salt (if applicable) washed out of there as much as possible.. __________________ *I started out with nothing - and I still have most of it*

05-25-2021, 07:18 AM	#33
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,245	Re: WTB: U-bolt plates for 14 bolt rear axle I would replace the spring center bolts too... __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

05-25-2021, 01:53 PM	#36
Killer Bee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Barber City, CA Posts: 4,816	Re: WTB: U-bolt plates for 14 bolt rear axle great shocks! I expect nothing less from the king of OEM __________________ *I started out with nothing - and I still have most of it*



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