what size u-bolts

[kwcustoms]

what size u-bolts do i need i bought a kit at advance auto parts but not matter what i did they would not fit over the axle tubing i was just wondering what size i needed to fit the axle im dropping the rear 3 in.

 

[AdvanceExpo]

The rear axle.......as I found out doing what you are doing.......is 3 and a quarter inch tubing. Therefore you need at least a 3 1/4 u bolt. You will not be able to find that size at any auto parts store. You are going to have to get custom ones made. What advance auto did you go to......I used to be an assistant manager at one and it is a shame at how little some of the people that work there know.

 

[kwcustoms]

The rear axle.......as I found out doing what you are doing.......is 3 and a quarter inch tubing. Therefore you need at least a 3 1/4 u bolt. You will not be able to find that size at any auto parts store. You are going to have to get custom ones made. What advance auto did you go to......I used to be an assistant manager at one and it is a shame at how little some of the people that work there know.

i went to the advanced auto parts in russellville ar but they are the cheapest here in town and the nicest so everyone has started using them since the napa we have doesnt hardly have anything so is there anyway i can order this size u-bolt online

 

[AdvanceExpo]

If you can find like a spring shop, they would be the best place that way you get to know them and they know what you need. I tried to find some online but I can't find anything for the tubing size that they put on the explorers. Ford has to have the beefiest axle out there. 8.8 inch rear ends are tough. I am just south of you in Alexandria, LA. I tried to find some leaf spring perches for my spring over axle swap last week and the largest JC Whitney had was for 3 inch axle tubing. So try to find a spring shop that can make some for you.

 

[CDW6212R]

I read that others bend the bolts, in various ways. Explorer Express had proper bolts made for their kits, but they are only 1.375" blocks. Good luck,

 

[basa820]

I'm sorry for bringing this OLD thread back up, found it by searching explorer U bolts on google.
I think I found something that may work
http://cpwstore.carpartswholesale.com/catalog/?Ntt=skyjacker+axle+u+bolt+u5wr

 

[mounty71]

Guess i'll update this with what i found:

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/u-bolt-58-x-3-14-x-10-p-192.html

 

[slammedxonair]

I've used the 3" Ubolts before you just have to use a C clamp and bent them in at the mounting plate. I did that way back in the day before I even knew the axle was 3.25" it worked fine and I rode on it for quite some time. But if you can find some that are bigger that would be the easy way.

 

[98SurfSport2WD]

I bought a 2" block and U-bolt kit from the local Winchester auto. They came with 3" U-bolts and I did the c- clamp trick. 2 of the U-bolts broke in half within a few days. Do yourself a favor and get 3 1/4" U-bolts. I picked up some Rancho U-bolts from the local 4wd shop.