Greg,

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking the same; that the locks could brake and cause a "problem". My new u-bolts did come with 8-hardened SAE washers. The assembly manual shows only 4-SAE washers; they are used as spacers between the lower shock mounts and the axle. With the 8 new washers and 4 old washers I have enough for the assembly.

I have driven thousands of miles in worn out old ADs and TFs and never had a problem with the axle coming loose. I did have the drag link come off the pitman arm at freeway speed in morning rush hour traffic once. That is a great story. It is amazing I lived through that "life moment".

54 Chevy build pics.