Hey I just got in my 1 inch rear block and u bolt kit for my 2wd 07 F150. After getting it all apart and then together, I have discovered the u bolts seem to be too long. Looks like there like an inch and half to long, I can probably get them on but not with any type of socket bc so long, then Ill have an ugly long bolt visable and hanging down, thats how much bolt Id have interferring. I didnt install them cause of that. Whats the deal? How can I cut them or shorten them? Its a Rough Country 1 inch rear block kit, any ideas how to fix this? I didnt install them, tryin to possibly find some around town that are shorter but if possible to cut them I would.

 

Deep sockets or a wrench won't work? If you were able to cut them without cross cutting the threads, I think it should work.

 

I dont think there is a deep socket deep enough I believe. I could probably use a open end wrench or if I had a ratching open end that would be awesome, but once tightened they look like Id have about 2 inches or more of thread hanging down.

Reckon a machine shop or a local shop of some sort could cut them? May just be easier and cheap to find some shorter ones at local parts store.

 

If you have a driveline shop or a shop of that sort nearby they could probably make you a set of u-bolts to the proper measurements. The block kit you bought was probably made for a 4wd truck which is why the bolts would be longer.

 

Run your nuts up past the point where you want to cut them, clamp them in a vice and use a hack saw to cut them off nice and square. Run a file around the newly cut edge to taper the end slightly, give the end a quick squirt of WD40 and spin the nuts back off. This will ensure the threads are clean enough to re-install the nuts a second time.

 

Install them with nuts down as far as you can go with a deep socket, then simply use a 4 1/2" grinder with a thin cut-off wheel to cut off some excess, then put your deep socket back on and tighten them up the rest of the way. Just leave a little above the completely tightened nuts for safety-don't grind them flush.

 

The problem with this technique is that you can heat the bolt to the point that the nylock nut is damaged by the heat, melting the nylock feature, thus rendering it useless for its intended purpose. If you want to try this you should consider coating the bolt with thread locker before installation.

 

Cool awesome thanks for the replies on this. Sounds great. I will try the clamping and cutting method, I have them already might as well try and make them work. What is best for cutting them with a hack saw, we have a sawzall and would a jigsaw metal blade do it or just good ol hack saw?

I will try to cut them remount them first.. then, hey if i need to just find some that fit better at local auto store.

Thanks for the replies on this, it has me mad bc I want them on and dont want to make it such a big deal of this simple install.

 

I would use a hacksaw and elbow grease. More control this way, and a straight cut is easier to achieve. If you are confident with the sawzall, give-er, but cut straight across.

 

Ok I have tried hacksaw, no luck really, seems impossible. Sawzall really hasnt gotten me anywhere, maybe I need to change the blades on either one of them? I have an angle grinder tool, is there a wheel available to put on it to cut them?

It has seemed impossible to cut these easily or thoroughly. I need something cleaner and quicker.

 

Yea you can get a cut off wheel for the angle grinder. Ive used a hack saw and a dremel in the past both worked well.

 

Hacksaw is a old school tried and true method. Even if the bolts you got are grade 8, and I doubt they are, you should be able to cut them fairly easily. maybe you need a new blade. With a decent blade, and a little elbow grease it should only take 60 seconds or less per cut. Put some muscle in it man......

 

Mine are a little long on my skyjacker kit also. But I have decided to add an 1" block bc I am adding a 1" strut spacer to resolve rubbing issues and want truck to be level so good thing I didnt hack them off or I would be buying another set now. I would just leave them. You may need that extra space if you change/add anything in the future