Longer Rear U-bolts?

MountaineerTom · November 21, 2003

Where would I get longer rear u-bolts for my rear suspension? I'm thinking about replacing the 2 inch rear lift block with a 3 inch block, but I'm not sure where I would find longer u-bolts that will be shaped like the factory ones. They are not rounded on the closed end, but more suare shaped.

Thanks for any tips.

Sierra5.3 · November 21, 2003

if you have all the info on the u-bolts you need then call up 4wheel parts, thats where i go tmy longer u-bolts from.

1BADHD · November 21, 2003

If you get a 3" block kit, it will come with the blocks and U-bolts. If you need just the U-bolts.......go to any farm supply or auto parts store. They have them!

bigdogs · November 21, 2003

Some muffler shops can even make new ones for you. I did that when I changed a 12bolt over to a 14bolt being it had larger axle tubes.

MountaineerTom · November 22, 2003

If you get a 3" block kit, it will come with the blocks and U-bolts. If you need just the U-bolts.......go to any farm supply or auto parts store. They have them!

Ah, that makes it easy.

For some reason, I thought they didn't come with u-bolts. Maybe it's the non-vehicle specific blocks don't come with them.

Thanks for the info all.

MountaineerTom · November 22, 2003

Here's another question. Will the stock Z71 shocks be too short to use with a 3 inch rear block (vs the factory 2 inch block) and ford torsion bar keys in the front?

I didn't think about the shocks being too short.

BTW, I called Superlift and they said thier vehicle specific kits DO come with u-bolts, washers, and nuts.

1BADHD · November 24, 2003

The rear will be fine. But the fronts will need to be longer.

MountaineerTom · November 24, 2003

Hmm Even if I only plan on trying to get only an inch, maybe 1 1/2, lift out of the front?

I'm thinking if I have to change the fronts, I'll more than likely change the rears too at the same time, which leads to yet another question.

What is a good choice for a longer shock, and yhow do you explain to someome you need a shock that is longer than the stock ones (and have them understand you and get it right)?

Thanks for all the info.

1BADHD · November 24, 2003

Ok, if you go only 1-1.5 inches. You will be fine. Anything over that.......you may want longer shocks. Pretty much, all manufactureres will say that their shocks are for xxxxx amount of lift. So if you add 2-3 of lift. You need that kind of shock. Almost every manufacturer makes longer than stock shocks. Anywhere form 2-10 inches of lift. 4 Wheel Parts can get you what you need.

MountaineerTom · November 24, 2003

Cool, thanks again for all the info.

silverado3500 · February 3, 2004

Most drivetrain shops (driveshaft, gear and axle specialists) have the equipment to make them. 4 wheel parts referred me to one a 1/4 mile down the road, when they found that they didn't have any long enough for my dually and a 5 inch block. I had to have 19" ubolts custom made, but here's the kicker...they were less expensive than the ones that 4 wheel parts wanted for theirs. It was a simple in and out procedure, took about 3 mins if that.

REDZ-71 · February 4, 2004

If you're in Dallas Fort Worth (Texas) area, I can give you a set of U bolts with 4" blocks for free. When I had my Procomp Suspension adjusted at 4 Wheel Parts, they changed these 4" ones to 5.5" blocks and longer U bolts. So I asked them to give me the 4" in case I decide to lower my trucks ride height, which I won't do.