4bangerjp.com

General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: jfrabat on June 06, 2009, 05:34:36 AM

Title: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: jfrabat on June 06, 2009, 05:34:36 AM
Hey, anyone know where I can get one of these?  I have been looking at my U-bolts, and they REALLY hang out there...  So, I thought it woul dbe a good idea to replace them, but I tried googleing it, and could not find any results.  I know Four X Doctor used to make them, but they are not listed in their site anymore...  Any other ideas?
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: FourbangerYJ on June 06, 2009, 11:04:45 AM
http://www.dynatrac.com/products_ubolt.html

This is what FXD uses now. He used to make them, I have set on the rear, I have a set of Dynatrac on the front.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c331/FourbangerYJ/028.jpg)
This is Dynatracs.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c331/FourbangerYJ/026.jpg)
This is/was FXD.
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/deaver-spring-partial-p-323.html
These can be welded for you for and extra $35.
https://catalog.foothilloffroad.com/index.php?cPath=21_40
Here is some more.

You can also just trim the bolt flush with the nut. Alot of people don't do this. I call 'em cat catchers when they are not trimmed.
You won't gain as much but it's pretty much free.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: jfrabat on June 07, 2009, 12:16:35 PM
Thanks; I did not expect them to be so high-priced, so I guess I'll just cut mine out to make them a bit shorter...
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: TahoeYJ on June 07, 2009, 12:51:29 PM
If you do decide to go with a u-bolt flip at some point, I'll vouch for Ruff Stuff. I haven't used the kit, but I just got my 9" swap kit from him Friday and everything is VERY impressive.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: drunkencityworker on June 08, 2009, 09:13:57 AM
http://www.dynatrac.com/products_ubolt.html

This is what FXD uses now. He used to make them, I have set on the rear, I have a set of Dynatrac on the front.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c331/FourbangerYJ/028.jpg)
This is Dynatracs.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c331/FourbangerYJ/026.jpg)
This is/was FXD.
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/deaver-spring-partial-p-323.html
These can be welded for you for and extra $35.
https://catalog.foothilloffroad.com/index.php?cPath=21_40
Here is some more.

You can also just trim the bolt flush with the nut. Alot of people don't do this. I call 'em cat catchers when they are not trimmed.
You won't gain as much but it's pretty much free.
WOW...that is alot of leaf springs
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: FourbangerYJ on June 08, 2009, 09:34:19 AM
WOW...that is alot of leaf springs

And they are have a great ride to them too. :nod: IMO the packs with lots of thin leaves work better than fewer thick ones.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: DodgeMudder on June 08, 2009, 10:29:44 AM
And they are have a great ride to them too. :nod: IMO the packs with lots of thin leaves work better than fewer thick ones.

I've heard people say that before, but my experince is the other way, I swapped in thicker leaves w/ only 3 leaves per pack and my Jeep rides better than it ever did running the 5 thinner leaves it before that.  I also have better on-road stability w/ less sway issues, and better flex off road.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: AGUHR on December 28, 2010, 11:39:42 AM
I searched the forum and found this to be the most interesting discussion about U-bolt flips - but the links in the forum do not have the products listed anymore for a YJ.

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions to flip my u-bolts on a D30 and D35?
Im not going to a SOA and I dont want to use skids - these are not options to me as of this point in time.

thanks.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: Jeffy on December 28, 2010, 12:23:15 PM
All three links work fine.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: AGUHR on December 28, 2010, 12:26:47 PM
rusty's is for an 8.8 or 9inch,  foothill is for a toyota. i didnt see a third link.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: Jeffy on December 28, 2010, 12:46:17 PM
rusty's is for an 8.8 or 9inch,  foothill is for a toyota. i didnt see a third link.
http://www.dynatrac.com/products_ubolt.html
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: AGUHR on December 28, 2010, 01:21:30 PM
thank you! and wow didnt realize $180 for the kit.
it really seems like a straight forward design, 1/4 plate on top with a welded lip or something to keep the plate form rolling, square u bolts and another plate at the bottomw to help keep the u bolts spaced on the bottom?

I need to buy a welder!

are there any vehicles that fit the D30 that I can take from a LKQ or U wrench it type junk yard?
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: Jeffy on December 28, 2010, 01:45:08 PM
You could either modify your spring plates or make some.
thank you! and wow didnt realize $180 for the kit.
it really seems like a straight forward design, 1/4 plate on top with a welded lip or something to keep the plate form rolling, square u bolts and another plate at the bottomw to help keep the u bolts spaced on the bottom?

I need to buy a welder!

are there any vehicles that fit the D30 that I can take from a LKQ or U wrench it type junk yard?
You might check some full-size trucks BUT you will want to measure the axle tubes.  You don't want to use a plate that's too wide or else could shift.  You also want to make sure the leafs are only 2.5" wide.  I think you're SOL on the D30.  I don't think there's enough room unless you go SOA.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: Jeffy on December 28, 2010, 02:01:26 PM
http://www.jeeptech.com/susp/ubolt.html
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: AGUHR on December 28, 2010, 02:35:46 PM
I think you're SOL on the D30.  I don't think there's enough room unless you go SOA.

Bummer - thats for the help Jeffy!
On the other had I've gotten good at replacing U-Bolts on the trail.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: sharpxmen on December 28, 2010, 08:47:53 PM
you can also get u-bolt skid plates, you lose about 1/2'' compared to the reversal ones.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: FourbangerYJ on December 28, 2010, 09:45:30 PM
Bummer - thats for the help Jeffy!
On the other had I've gotten good at replacing U-Bolts on the trail.

Trim the bolt so it's flush with the nut.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: AGUHR on December 29, 2010, 06:08:00 AM
Trim the bolt so it's flush with the nut.

I think your right for the cost it seems this is the only choice until I learn how to weld.  thanks for all the input guys.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: neale_rs on January 03, 2011, 01:22:19 PM


This one looks like something that could be fabbed for the D30:

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/deaver-spring-partial-p-323.html
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: jfrabat on January 04, 2011, 09:34:23 AM
I just decided to go with the Dynatrac ones for a coouple of reasons:

1. I dont like to trim the bolts, because if I ever need to take the U-Bolts off again, they would be a PITA to put back on with the shorter thread, and since you never know what's gonna happen in the middle of a trail, I rather go safe
2. Skid plates dont really fix my issue; sure, the U bolts would not drag in the mud, but the skid would, which kind of defeats the purpose.
3. I decided not to try and fab one because these ones i know will work right; especially considering the D30's axle disconnect housing, I prefer to go with something that's already tried and true...

Yes, it was expensive for something simple, but keep in mind I make 600 mile road trips with this Jeep, so for $400 bucks or so, I am not just buying U-bolt flip kits, but also piece of mind.

Felipe
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: chardrc on January 04, 2011, 12:23:38 PM
just wondering, but what would require you to take off the u bolts on the trail?  :puzzled: im drawing a blank on this one. but the u-bolt flip kits do sound nice to keep form hitting the u-bolt stubs..
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: sharpxmen on January 04, 2011, 12:47:58 PM
you should never reuse the u-bolts - you can always carry spares as they're not taking that much space.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: FourbangerYJ on January 04, 2011, 02:00:49 PM
just wondering, but what would require you to take off the u bolts on the trail?  :puzzled: im drawing a blank on this one. but the u-bolt flip kits do sound nice to keep form hitting the u-bolt stubs..

Center pin break, broke leaf, broke U bolt.
Title: Re: U-bolt reversal kits
Post by: jfrabat on January 04, 2011, 02:25:55 PM
you should never reuse the u-bolts - you can always carry spares as they're not taking that much space.

You should not reuse them, but if you are out of options, sometimes you just have to...  Would not be the first time I had to do something your should not do to get out of the trail!  And if I can just get the right kit, it's something less I have to worry abut.