Firstgenfanatic

Does anyone know if the U-bolts are longer for pickups that have factory overloads springs or are they the same as non-overload equipped pickups? I am adding on factory overloads and want to know if I need longer U-bolts. Thanks

pulltilbroke

Its always a good idea to get new u bolts when ever you take em loose

Just measure from the top of the spring pack to the bottom of the bottom plate and add an inch or so take that number X 2 + 2 1/2"

ie. Your measurment =10"+1"=11X2=22+2 1/2 =24 1/2

Tell your drive line guy you need some bolts bent from a X length stick with 2 1/2 spring width

Also a good idea to upgrade to 5/8 bolts

Firstgenfanatic

Yes, very true/good point about replacing the hardware. If anything, I wanted to know what the factory uses (overload equipped vs. non-equipped). It would be nice to see some pics and dimensions from a stock equipped pickup.

pulltilbroke

I'd take some pics for you but my truck is far from stock

Firstgenfanatic

I am wondering where I should look locally to find new replacement u-bolts. Anyone have some suggestions?

Alwaysworking

six states can make them

ccab85

Look for a Spring shop in the yellow pages. We have 3 of them here. I have made and shipped u-bolts for other members. Yes they will be longer than stock, And as stated before it is wise to upgrade fom 9/16 to 5/8.

Firstgenfanatic

Ok, so I'm at the point where I need factory replacement u-bolts for a 6-leaf pack with overload springs. I assume going from a 9/16 to 5/8 requires no mods to make the larger u-bolt work? I want to upgrade to the larger size, but I am concerned about clearances (if any). Does anyone on here have the stock 6 leaf pack with factory overloads? I would like to get some dimensions/example pics.

NotEnufGarage

Going from 9/16" to 5/8" u-bolts may require enlarging the holes in the spring / shock plate. I know it does on the front, since I'm doing that right now. I did it with a die grinder and a carbide burr. Took about 5 minutes per hole, if that.

ccab85

Drilled mine out to 41/64 on the drill press, pretty simple just make sure to clamp it down because when the bit catches it turns into a pretty heavy spinning top. Dont know about dimensions, all my trucks are modified in the suspesion dept. Like someone else said though, get it all set up the way you want it and take a measurement from the top of the springs to the bottom of the plate/lower shock mount and add about 1 1/2 inches to find the leg length you desire. If you need more help PM me a phone number and I would be more than happy to help in any way that I can. I am in Idaho and have access to any u-bolt you may need.

Firstgenfanatic

Looking for a dimension.........anyone have a 7 leaf setup with factory overload spring?

whereswaldo250

I have a 7 leaf main pack with 4 overloads plus spacer.

The dimensions are:
9/16" 18(thread) rod diameter
2 1/2" width (inside)
16 1/2" length

Bend is square

Torque-90ft lbs

Hope this clears things up

whereswaldo250

Oops sorry should have looked at the picture

For a one overload plus spacer and the 7 main pack would probably be an extra 1.5"-2" Max I would think.