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| | | | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 250 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 250 | I changed out the rear spring stack/axle u-bolts on my new to me truck as the originals were severely corroded. I am not sure how much to torque the nuts to though. It seems like I can keep tightening them and while it takes a bit of force, it doesn't seem to get any harder as though something is stretching. Is there a torque spec for these? Or do I just make them good and tight? Thanks for the comments!
1950 3600
1951 4400
Gazz
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Torque values are based on bolt diameters, shackle bolts often have to be taken up until really tight because of slack.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2012 Posts: 57 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2012 Posts: 57 | You should be able to get the torque spec from the mfg of your u bolts. I use an impact and run them down until it can’t turn anymore. But I am doing this on semi trailer u bolts. Also u bolts are supposed to stretch as they are tightened that’s why u aren’t supposed to reuse them. I say if you can still turn them keep on going they will not break.
Dan
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,196 Insomniac | | Insomniac Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,196 | Torque specs are in the shop manual. My manual is for 1954, but I expect 1951 was the same. For a 4400 (1.5 ton), the spec is 210 to 235 ft-lbs!
Gord 🇨🇦
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1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 250 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 250 | Weird, I know I wrote a reply to this a day or two ago but it is not here!
In any case, I did find specs in the manual which I believe were 70/90ft/lbs. Then my mechanic friend said he was taught to tighten them until they ring nicely when struck with a hammer or something. He learned this from a place that specialized in automotive / truck spring replacement.
1950 3600
1951 4400
Gazz
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