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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: East Haven, CT
Posts: 882
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Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
I know this is suspension, but it is 73-87 specific so I posted here. I want to tackle the rear, adding the Western Chassis flip kit and shackles. I was already aware, from fellow members here, that the u-bolts will be wrong. Sure enough, they are. I have no idea why they are still producing them wrong, o well.
I've included some photos of what I'm dealing with. As you can see, the u-bolts are wider than factory.... no good. I included a photo of how stock width ubolts are on the extreme edges of the Western plate slots. What are my options here? Do I get all new longer factory size u-bolts made at the local suspension shop and enlarge the plate slots? Also, I know in the picture with the Western plate, that is not where it goes, I just wanted to show how the ubolts are on the edges of the slots. ![]() ![]()
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87 Chevy 2wd SWB: 305/700r4 Dual Exhaust, K&N Filter, Injector Pod Spacer, TBI Spacer, Belltech Front Sway Bar, Corvette Servo, Western Chassis 4/6 and c-notch |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: so cal
Posts: 436
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
new u bolts autozone $19.99 or www.speedwaymotors.com $ 3.99 each plus shipping.
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big old burb in primer.lot of work to do. Last edited by scooterskoolkustoms; 06-05-2010 at 07:37 PM. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: donaldson, arkansas
Posts: 21
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
i dont see what could be wrong, i have used them before and yea they were wider than the factory but when used with their plate they worked fine due to their plate being slotted...but if you need to change ubolts, then autozone carries universal 3" wide ubolts that work fine, they just have to be cut off after getting torqued up...too long..
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Newcastle, OK
Posts: 1,344
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
What the F!!! I just ordered a flip kit from them and this is the first time I have heard of this issue. I am very interested in the solution as well
Edit: looks like you got some answers while I was typing. So the ubolts are wider but do fit the new plates? Cool Last edited by baclay9; 06-05-2010 at 07:42 PM. |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: donaldson, arkansas
Posts: 21
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
they did on the 2 trucks ive used them on before. they are wider than factory but the slots on the new plates help with this issue,..
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#6 |
yeller
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 13,824
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
Sure the wider ones will fit, but they are technically the wrong size...and I wouldn't run them...they wont "hug" the axle like the correct sized 3" ones will.
I bought new ones locally. Don't ever re-use your old u-bolts either...especially since new ones are cheap and you already ave them out.
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Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: donaldson, arkansas
Posts: 21
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
yea but they arent much wider and by the time i torqued everything up it was really snug. once they started tightening up they snugged closer to the axle... its not the whole entire ubolts that were wider, the ones i had were just wider at the end, like they were spread a little during manufacturing, even the ones from auto zone are a little spread until you tighten everything up...
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: donaldson, arkansas
Posts: 21
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
bigblock73, i do inderstand that and yea if the whole u bolt was wider then no way should they be used, but if they are just spread then everything should be ok...
Last edited by slamd83c10; 06-05-2010 at 11:23 PM. |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: East Haven, CT
Posts: 882
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
Yes, I know never to run original 23 year old u-bolts. Still not sure which way to go with this. I understand completely what bigblock is saying. Even my father agrees.
Then again, like slamd83c10 says, if they aren't as wide when tightened, maybe they are just fine. I know one thing, if this were a hot rod truck with a BUILT motor, I would not run the WC bolts. bigblock, when you installed the factory sized bolts, did you have to enlarge the WC slots? It appears you would have to. The bolt rubs badly on the ends of the slots and would probably tear up the threads when tightening and interfere with torquing. I'd like to see how many on this board, besides slamd83c10, have successfully been using the WC bolts, especially with more built engines.
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87 Chevy 2wd SWB: 305/700r4 Dual Exhaust, K&N Filter, Injector Pod Spacer, TBI Spacer, Belltech Front Sway Bar, Corvette Servo, Western Chassis 4/6 and c-notch |
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#10 |
I really hate wet sanding!
![]() Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Brookfield, MO
Posts: 601
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
I went to the local farm store and bought a set of trailer axle mounts for 5200 lb axle (they are for a 3" tube), they cost me less than $20, welded them to the bottom of the axle tube, reused my old u bolts and woa la....flip kit was done. I dont see the issue with re using the old u bolts unless they are rusted badly (pitted threads missing, etc). I did have to invest in a set of shock extenders, and once together, I was unhappy with the rake of the truck so I bought and installed a set of 1" lowering blocks, the stock u bolts were still long enough to re use them again even with the lowering blocks.
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Jeff, 68 C-10 75 C-20, now a C-10! 10 F-150 |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: donaldson, arkansas
Posts: 21
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
if u reuse your stock ubolts then yes you would need to open the slots a little to keep from ripping the threads.. most flip kits come with 1/2" ubolts and the stock ones are 9/16,..didnt mean to answer for someone else but i figured this was something that could be agreed upon..
Last edited by slamd83c10; 06-05-2010 at 11:26 PM. |
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#12 |
yeller
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 13,824
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
Nope, didn't have to modify anything running the correct size 3" U bolts...they fit in there like a glove.
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Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: donaldson, arkansas
Posts: 21
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
i had to on my cousins truck, he ordered just the flip no u bolts, he used the stock ones and they were tight, so we had to widen the slot...like we always see in the aftermarket world, one persons vehicle might work differently than the next, not everyones is gonna work out the same, it happens....youll never know what u got until you get in there and tear apart and see what works and what doesnt, i know im a noob on the forums but i have personally been around these trucks for 20 years, worked on 50+, i have a shop in donaldson,ar and i mainly do some custom work and suspension on chevys and around here these are the most popular... but i mainly deal in mcgaughys kits...
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#14 |
yeller
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 13,824
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
If you are reusing the stock u-bolts and doing a flip kit, I can see why they would be tight...just like others have said, once you tighten them, they "suck in"...so your old u-bolts have this memory and will indeed require slotting the holes.
Someone should measure the flip kit brackets and see what the dimension is between the slots...just for ****s and grins. To me, it is simpler, safer, and better looking to use new U-bolts when putting on brand new parts. You wouldn't put a dirty worn out floor mats in your cab after you just installed new carpet would you? ;D
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Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale Last edited by bigblock73; 06-06-2010 at 12:01 AM. |
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#15 |
I really hate wet sanding!
![]() Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Brookfield, MO
Posts: 601
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
No probably not...but if they were in good shape I might clean them and re use them again. I built my truck to drive, not for being towed around in a trailer...and if you want to climb under it and diss my surface rusted re used factory parts, that is up to you. Why not re use parts if they are servicable? I have to work hard for what little I got, why spend money on stuff that does not need replaced! I rarely climb under my truck and wax the u bolts, I could care less what they look like, just that they do the job they were intended to do.
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Jeff, 68 C-10 75 C-20, now a C-10! 10 F-150 |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: nc, mount airy
Posts: 376
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
you can just order new u bolts from lmc
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=145 and call it a day . they will fit and they are grade 8 bolts
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"Myths and legends die hard in America. We love them for the extra dimension they provide, the illusion of near-infinite possibility to erase the narrow confines of most men's reality. Weird heroes and mould-breaking champions exist as living proof to those who need it that the tyranny of 'the rat race' is not yet final." Hunter S THompson |
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#17 | |
yeller
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 13,824
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
Quote:
![]() I don't wax my u-bolts, diss others trucks, or tow my trucks on trailers...for the record. ![]() It is more than the looks of the u-bolts, these things are stretched when installed, stressed and worn from everyday use, don't like to come off easily, and get stretched more when re-installed. To me, the convienience and safety of new ones far out-weighs the few bucks I'll save re-using old ones that may, or may not be safe.
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Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: East Haven, CT
Posts: 882
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
Absolutely! Especially in my truck's condition. You see the pictures, look at that New England rust/rot. I spent close to $700 for all this suspension equipment. I'm making darn sure I don't skimp out on bolts.
Thanks for the info so far guys
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87 Chevy 2wd SWB: 305/700r4 Dual Exhaust, K&N Filter, Injector Pod Spacer, TBI Spacer, Belltech Front Sway Bar, Corvette Servo, Western Chassis 4/6 and c-notch |
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#19 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin Texas
Posts: 370
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#20 |
yeller
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 13,824
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
FWIW fellas, spend 15 minutes surfing the web for U-bolt specs and information, EVERY page I have found has said to replace the U-bolts when removing them for suspension work. These things stretch, threads weaken due to everyday use, and due to the mfr'ing process for the bolts and nuts, the nuts actually damage the threads when installed, and removing and reinstalling cross-threading occurs and will prevent proper retorquing when reinstalled. Just because they look fine to our naked and un-trained eye, doesn't mean they really are.
But hey, if you want to skimp and save $40, go ahead...but the consequences could be much wor$e if even one of them fails.
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Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale |
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#21 | |
yeller
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 13,824
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
Quote:
Not sure why you had to quote me, as if I were directing my post to you (which obviously I wasn't), but I will return the favor and quote you and try to understand your logic as you were trying to understand mine.
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Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale |
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#22 |
I really hate wet sanding!
![]() Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Brookfield, MO
Posts: 601
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Thanks, it seems that alot of folk on here think the best advise is to dump money into your truck. If I was concerned about the u bolts being to rusty, or threads were missing, sure I'd change them, but why spend money if you don't need to.
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Jeff, 68 C-10 75 C-20, now a C-10! 10 F-150 |
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#23 | |
I really hate wet sanding!
![]() Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Brookfield, MO
Posts: 601
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
Quote:
Back to the original post, since your kit came with u bolts, use them, does it really matter if they are a little lose on the axle tube? I am sure WC doesn't want to wind up in court because they sold you something dangerous.
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Jeff, 68 C-10 75 C-20, now a C-10! 10 F-150 |
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#24 | |
yeller
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 13,824
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
Quote:
Again, do some research on the subject, and don't just go by what you have always or already done. And as far as the incorrect sized u-bolts. Why put 3.25" u-bolts on a 3" axle tube? Seems to me GM had 3" ers on there for a reason...I'd trust that over an aftermarket mfr's interpertation any day. I guess if you want to buy pants one size bigger and take the risk of having them fall down on ya in public, I'll buy the pants that fit me best and not worry about it. ![]()
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Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale |
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#25 |
yeller
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 13,824
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Re: Western Chassis Flip Bracket/U-bolt options
It isn't about "dumping money", its about being safe as possible.
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Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale |
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