Obtaining new U-Bolts - 101FC

[stuee]

It was my intention to replace the four suspension U-bolts on the back axle and the 8 individual front axle retaining bolts before getting my 101 back on the road. Since I'm close to ordering some steering parts (replacing all ball joints) I figured I may as well get these suspension parts while I'm at it. Seems as though the 101 specific part is unavailable from the usual suppliers so I need to look elsewhere.

A quick measure reveals them to be approximately (3.125" x 180mm). This appears close to the Dana 60 axle which I believe its copied from in which case I just need to track down some from the US.

Another issue is according to the manual the nuts are M12 meaning the bolt diameter should be 12mm (although I only measure the bolt width to be bang on 11mm which means I possibly stretched the old ones on re-fitting???). A quick browse reveals that most dana 60 u-bolts are 5/8" (15.875mm) in diameter meaning I will have to drill out the top spring plates. I haven't looked close enough to see if this could introduce structural issues by removing 2mm of metal near the edge of the spring plate, I doubt it but I should probably look into it further.

Before I do the above I thought I would see if anyone has had any luck obtaining quality u-bolts locally, preferably in a 12mm or 1/2" size??

I'm making an assumption that I can get the front bolts from a speciality fastener supplier as they are just HT 8.8 12mm bolts.

edit* I've found a Dodge Dakota uses 3.125" width bolts 1/2" in size! Now just got to get the right length.

[101RRS]

101 Club ????

[juddy]

It was my intention to replace the four suspension U-bolts on the back axle and the 8 individual front axle retaining bolts before getting my 101 back on the road. Since I'm close to ordering some steering parts (replacing all ball joints) I figured I may as well get these suspension parts while I'm at it. Seems as though the 101 specific part is unavailable from the usual suppliers so I need to look elsewhere.

A quick measure reveals them to be approximately (3.125" x 180mm). This appears close to the Dana 60 axle which I believe its copied from in which case I just need to track down some from the US.

Another issue is according to the manual the nuts are M12 meaning the bolt diameter should be 12mm (although I only measure the bolt width to be bang on 11mm which means I possibly stretched the old ones on re-fitting???). A quick browse reveals that most dana 60 u-bolts are 5/8" (15.875mm) in diameter meaning I will have to drill out the top spring plates. I haven't looked close enough to see if this could introduce structural issues by removing 2mm of metal near the edge of the spring plate, I doubt it but I should probably look into it further.

Before I do the above I thought I would see if anyone has had any luck obtaining quality u-bolts locally, preferably in a 12mm or 1/2" size??

I'm making an assumption that I can get the front bolts from a speciality fastener supplier as they are just HT 8.8 12mm bolts.

edit* I've found a Dodge Dakota uses 3.125" width bolts 1/2" in size! Now just got to get the right length.

What's the parts numbers?

[stuee]

101 Club ????

Dont list them as a part in the magazine any more. Going by some old forum posts I gather they used to though.

[stuee]

What's the parts numbers?

U-Bolts are 624130.

[juddy]

I will have a look in the morning...

[stuee]

Just went out to confirm my measurements and used a ruler this time for length and its actually closer to 165mm on the inside of the u-bolt which is where I believe the measurement is meant to be taken from, not the outside of the u-bolt like I did before.

This is very close to 6.5" and pretty much an identical u-bolt to the dodge dakota.

Dorman Products RB35621

Auto Part Number RB35621 From Dorman Products | StreetPerformance.com
1997-2001 Dodge Dakota Axle U Bolt - Dorman, 6.5 in., OE replacement, 3.13 in. - JCWhitney
Parts Bin - Auto Parts and Accessories Catalog - rb35621

Edit* One of the above wanted to charge me $81 USD to ship 4 u-bolts from the US. Will keep looking for another supplier.

Can get a generic u-bolt the same dimensions through JEGS or Summits racing. May wait till I order my wiring loom as they still want upwards of $55USD for shipping

Skyjacker 12X318X612
Skyjacker Suspensions 12X318X612 - Skyjacker U-Bolt Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com

[chazza]

Have you tried Westralia Springworks in Welshpool?

Cheers Charlie

[stuee]

Have you tried Westralia Springworks in Welshpool?

Cheers Charlie

Hadn't heard of them before. Just checked out their website and Ill be sure to give them a call to see if they can help me out. Looks like they can bend up U-bolts on request.

Cheers,
Stuart

[lardy]

Stuee,
What was the results on the U bolt fun and games??
Andy