Is it ok to re-use U bolts? The ones I used for my rear blocks were already used. Someone told me they could fail because they had previously been torqued. Any info would help a lot. Thanks.

 

Question? Can you reach the proper torque value with u-bolts and nuts you have now? If so, you're good. Yes, new would be better but those u-bolts can be torqued many times over.

 

i reused mine about 10,000 miles ago and check the torque and they hadnt losened. So i would

 

As long as you torque them properly and re- torque them after a few days then again after about 2 weeks

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'll re-check them a few times. i torqued them to 85 ft/lbs, do you think that's sufficient? I just don't want to have any axle wrap. Though, I do not hall or tow and never ever accelerate hard.

I posted this because someone on v6f150.com told me re-using u bolts would result in them cracking and cause axle warp. Didn't seem right.

 

I'm no expert, but from what I read it's a bad idea.

http://jeep-forums.4wd.com/archive/i...hp/t-6636.html

http://lhrods.com/donotreusse.htm

http://www.eatonsprings.com/ubolttorques.htm

of course ymmv, and it's easy to find supporting opinions on the internet for whatever wacky idea you have.

If your that chill of a driver, it might not make that much of a difference, but for people doing serious four wheeling, towing or drag racing, I know I'd spring for new ones.

 

i redid mine atleast 6 times on my silver truck, as long as you get them very tight you will be fine.

But technically yes they are stretch bolts that are only supposed to be stretched one time

 

I'll probably get new u bolts just to be safe. The ones I re-used looked to be in perfect condition.. No rust, etc. I torqued them to 85 ft/lbs. Is that enough torque?

 

I have reused mine a few times on my 97 and they seem to be fine. Although I torqued mine to 100lbs. If i was you I wouldnt replace them

 

I've always been told you need to get new U-bolts, when I dropped the rear axle in my truck to get it re-geared I went ahead and had new U-bolts made as the ones I had on there looked like hell.