U Bolts

I have a question about the U Bolts on my 1950 Plymouth

We have plans on lowering it using blocks and I'd like to know if i can use a regular U Bolt or does it have to be something similar to the overly wide ones used from the factory (that are currently on it)

Thanks for any suggestions

 

Not sure what you mean by "Overly Wide"?

The Plymouth rear end should use a regular round U-bolt 3" wide x 1/2" x however long you need to accommodate your blocks.

I recently did my '50 Ply and got my bolts from here:
http://stengelbros.com/

 

thanks 4woody.

Our original 50 plym has really wide U bolts on it that seem absnormally wide compared to the "norm"

thanks for the help

 

The diameter of the axle tube sets the minimum u-bolt size. The holes in the plate need to match the spacing of the bolts.

 

might be the wrong ones on there now
they should just fit over the axle

 

Good point, bigger than necessary is not good.

 

well they look very old. they are definately not modern day u-bolts. We didnt know if we should find something that resembles whatever is on it. They look very original to the car and are very "neat" to look at in their original form since they are so "different" looking. We haven't removed them yet since we haven't reached that stage in our project yet but we'll know more once we get it up on a lift so we can have better access to start that stage. We haven't dug too deep into this part of the project yet, just got a glance at what is currently sitting on the car right now.

 

Are they flattened where they go around the top? I've seen those on older cars. You can use the normal round ones.

 

A local suspension (Truck) shop can make you what you need in about 15 min. take one of the originals and the thickness of the block you plan on using. They will make you what you need. I had mine done while I waited..

 

When I needed U bolts to put the 10 bolt nova rear in my '36, I went to NAPA. They had a full list of sizes, width and length and diameter. Surely one would fit.

 

When I replaced the springs on my galaxie I went to O'Reilly auto and they had U-bolts in the same section as the pedal pads, and door panel fasteners and what not.
If memory serves they were like $7 each. Looked to be a good quality. I just bought some of those. Seemed like alot considering I could make some if I had the round bar, but WTF the springs were $400, whats another 30 bucks.

Old bolts were flattened on the portion that contacted the axle tube, new ones are round. Work fine.

Take an old u bolt in w/ you and make sure the new one is correct width. I found Using a longer bolt made it easier to get everything attached, then cut off the extra so it didn't look like a hack job.

 

thanks guys. will do. After reading this, I think he's going to take them to a local shop and have them make them. He runs and auto body/garage and they have lots of connections with many local business so it definately helps. thanks for the suggestions/info!