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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: jfrabat on April 03, 2011, 02:32:13 PM
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OK, so I got me a set of Dynatrac High-Clearance U-Bolt Kits (http://www.dynatrac.com/products_ubolt.html) for each axle.
(http://www.dynatrac.com/images/image_products_ubolt_main.jpg)
The rear is already in place, but the front is not. The first issue I had with them is that on BOTH sets, the threads on one side of one of the bolts is simply not long enough. I have a thread die, so I'm planning on correcting this shortly, but the other issue I have (and the reason I have not yet installed the front) is that there is nowhere to install the sway bar. Should I just weld a bolt in there and cut the links to match the new reduced hight?
Also, the bolts are SUPER long, so you got to cut them down our even the long ratchet sets will not reach the nut, but nothing and angle grinder cannot fix...
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the threads on the U-bolts are rolled, using a die will not work and is dangerous (they will get stripped most likely) - i suggest rather using a spacer.
you can get rid of the sway bar, i drove the Jeep like that for years with no ill effects that i noticed, if you really want to keep it i suggest a grade 8 bolt long enough to go across the bottom plate
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I am sure there is a place around there somewhere that makes leafsprings they can make you the correct U bolts. Spacers will work, but u bolts of the correct length is the best way to go. For the sway bar you could do as you proposed provided that the links do no invert when fully flexed out. You could also weld tabs on the axle tubes, to keep the links closer to stock length
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the threads on the U-bolts are rolled, using a die will not work and is dangerous (they will get stripped most likely) - i suggest rather using a spacer.
I would have to see if I can find those square shaped ones locally; or call dynatrac and complain, but that may take a while... You really think they would strip if I use a die?
you can get rid of the sway bar, i drove the Jeep like that for years with no ill effects that i noticed, if you really want to keep it i suggest a grade 8 bolt long enough to go across the bottom plate
I am actually thinking about just ditching the swaybar, but I do make that one long drive every 3 months... I am just worried about how the Jeep would handle if I have to do some emergency manouvering at highway speeds (not having a swaybar can make rolling over easier, I think).
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I would have to see if I can find those square shaped ones locally; or call dynatrac and complain, but that may take a while... You really think they would strip if I use a die?
put a caliper on it, the bolt is a tiny bit smaller than the threads i think, i'll measure one in the garage later and let you know what i find. I am pretty sure you won't be able to use the same torque as the on rolled thread.
I am actually thinking about just ditching the swaybar, but I do make that one long drive every 3 months... I am just worried about how the Jeep would handle if I have to do some emergency manouvering at highway speeds (not having a swaybar can make rolling over easier, I think).
mine handled just fine and was quite good on corners, i was surprised how little if any sway developed after taking it off. My springs were stiff though but so are most of the lift kits, stock leafs are a different story.
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I tried no swaybar on the YJ, found that under emergency braking, it can be a handfull, I drive LONG trips in mine and I would not permanently remove it..
Noteably down hill on a turn is flat scary if I have to brake. Now th etrack bars are dead weight, they got stripped off about 2 months after I bought it...
Dave
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put a caliper on it, the bolt is a tiny bit smaller than the threads i think, i'll measure one in the garage later and let you know what i find. I am pretty sure you won't be able to use the same torque as the on rolled thread.
I measured one, the round is 0.75mm smaller in diameter than the threaded portion - so unless the ones you have are different it's def not a good idea to use a die to extend the thread (this is on top of the fact that a cut thread would be weaker to begin with).
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+1 on that, rolled threads only on U-bolts. the Nuts are special too BTW, they are a longer nut with a staked end to make them stay on.. They will cut the threads up if the threads are cut instead of rolled.
I'd bug Dynatrac they are a good outfit fomr my limited dealings with them...
Dave
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If you want to be able to take the u-bolts off and then put them back on (broken centering pin trail fix), I recommend cutting the u-bolts with a hacksaw. It will be a pain but the threads will be good at the cut ends. The angle grinder, on the other hand, will deform them to the point that they will not work. Or you could try putting your thread die on there, then cut the bolts and then recut the threads as you take the die back out.
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For the sway bar. This might work: Put some angle iron over the top plate, it will be held on with the u-bolts. Then weld a bolt onto the part that hangs down in front of the axle. It will end up above the springs so you might still need to cut the links a bit. You might want to use material thicker than 1/4 (just guessing).
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Well, I just sent Dynatrac an e-mail... Let's see what they say.
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did you measure the threads and round? just wondering if they are the same (thread larger diameter) as the ones i have.
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I just trimmed mine. As long as you leave the nut on before you cut it you should not have a problem. When you remove the nut it takes care of the burr.
I don't run a sway bar so the swap was pretty easy.
Also I needed to grind the corner of the plate a fair amount so the shock body would not be dented. Be sure to check your clearance.
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I just trimmed mine. As long as you leave the nut on before you cut it you should not have a problem. When you remove the nut it takes care of the burr.
I once took the nuts off of some cut u-bolts and they would not go back on. It was late at night, too late too buy new ones, so I ended up tapping them, which allowed them to go back on until I could get some new ones. So at the very least it would be good to pack some extra nuts.
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I once took the nuts off of some cut u-bolts and they would not go back on. It was late at night, too late too buy new ones, so I ended up tapping them, which allowed them to go back on until I could get some new ones. So at the very least it would be good to pack some extra nuts.
There is that risk. I put lots of lube (anti-seize) on there. Also ran the nut back and forth a number of times before removing it.
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I just trimmed mine. As long as you leave the nut on before you cut it you should not have a problem. When you remove the nut it takes care of the burr.
I did that for the rear; again, those are on, but I had to use one bolt from the front kit because the thread was not long enough. I left the bolts a bit long so that I can ise them to bolt on a bump stop extenion on top of the rear axle so that the rear suspension does not hit the body like it has in the past at max flex.
Also I needed to grind the corner of the plate a fair amount so the shock body would not be dented. Be sure to check your clearance.
Where did you have problems? Front or rear?
did you measure the threads and round? just wondering if they are the same (thread larger diameter) as the ones i have.
No; I am currently in Panama, and the Jeep is in Costa Rica...
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It's best to cut the bolts with the nuts on so you can chase the threads by taking the nut off.
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On the fronts. Not sure if I have a PIC or not.
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It's best to cut the bolts with the nuts on so you can chase the threads by taking the nut off.
I did that; no worries with the cutting part...
Also, Dynatrac responded; it seems they will be able to help...
What size of square u-bolt do you need? are you saying that two of the u-bolts were different size than the others?
supply me the lengths you need so theres no further mistakes.
You can use a set of shock mounts for the sway bar mount on the front axle
I may not be able to cover all of the shipping charges.
Thank you,
Steve Marrone
National Sales Manager
Dynatrac Products, Inc.
(714) 596-4461 X201
Of course, i am still on business trip, so I will need to wait till I get back to respond to them...
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Well, they are sending me new U-Bolts via UPS all the way to Costa Rica... Not bad service AT ALL!!!