Leaf Spring U-Bolts

[Diogenes13]

I'm about to replace the stock leaf springs on my 99 Explorer Sport 4X4--does anyone happen to know the stock dimensions for them? The length appears to be 7 to 7.5 inches, and I think they are 7/16 diameter, but I'm unsure of the width. Some exact dimensions from those of you in the know would be immensely appreciated!!

Thank you in advance....

 

[RangerX]

3.25" is the axle diameter, if that's what you mean by width.

 

[swshawaii]

Or if unsure about thread diameter, use a 7/16" open end wrench or whatever fits as a caliper.

 

[Diogenes13]

Or if unsure about thread diameter, use a 7/16" open end wrench or whatever fits as a caliper.

That is an excellent idea--I never thougt of that (even though I have a caliper. It's certainly easier to use an open end wrench while the u-bolt is still on the truck.

3.25 for the width is also a dimension I was looking for as well. Is my estimate of 7.5 for the length about right? I'm hoping to have everything ordered so I don't need to try to find things local (since I'm out in small town Ohio). I'm trying to avoid those last minute road-trips into town searching for parts.

Thank you for all the info!

 

[koda2000]

I have a digital caliper (Harbor Freight around $10) when I really need to know the exact size of something, but for something like an axle U-bolt I'll just grab my small adjustable wrench, place it on the thing I want to measure and then measure the opening with a tape. As said, you could have also used an open end wrench to determine the diameter of your U-bolt.

 

[swshawaii]

E4TZ-5705-B (Confirm Length)


6-3/4"
Round Bend U-Bolts - 1/2" x 3 1/4" x 6 3/4" [361-453] | $12.95 | SD Truck Springs | Leaf Springs, Helper Springs and Suspension Parts

7-3/4"
1/2X3-1/4X7-3/4 ROUND U-BOLT KIT**FREE SHIPPING**

 

[Diogenes13]

E4TZ-5705-B (Confirm Length)


6-3/4"
Round Bend U-Bolts - 1/2" x 3 1/4" x 6 3/4" [361-453] | $12.95 | SD Truck Springs | Leaf Springs, Helper Springs and Suspension Parts

7-3/4"
1/2X3-1/4X7-3/4 ROUND U-BOLT KIT**FREE SHIPPING**

Thank you. I had found the Ford p/n, but can't find any dimensional information on them. Hmmm, I wonder if that is intentional....why would they want to provide dimensions so people can go buy a u-bolt for 1/3 of the price.

So, are the stock u-bolts 7/16? I don't want to drill or buy other parts if I don't need them.

 

[swshawaii]

^ Take 5 minutes, grab a piece of cardboard to lie on, with 7/16" and 1/2" open end wrenches or a crescent, and check. Done.

 

[J_C]

The factory U-bolts are unique in that the part that wraps around the axle is flattened, but this is not necessary.

When I did my lower shock mounts and replaced the u-bolts, I shopped around and for my '98 the best price I found at the time was Husky USB041R at Rock Auto (4 x $5.59 ea + $8 S/H - $1 discount code +tax = $31 delivered), which are 1/2" x 3-1/4" x 6-3/4". 6-3/4" is barely (but is) long enough (for a full leaf pack on mine, sports may have fewer leaves?) , don't get shorter than that, though longer, you could get an inch longer and they'd work assuming it's like most and has threads halfway up the bolt.

I can't tell you if the stock were 7/16", (don't remember), but I can tell you that the 1/2" do fit in the holes in the Ford lower shock mounts, no drilling required, so I don't see a reason to go with the smaller 7/16".

Edit: I was on Rock Auto today and noticed they no longer carry the Husky USB041R, then checked Husky's site which also sold them direct and it pulls up the part # USB041RHUS but then a "no results found" error, so I guess they're not a option.