The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Torque specs

I just replaced my front springs on my '53 3600 and the shop manual just says to "tighten the U bolt nuts "securely". What is the proper torque spec and is there a torque spec page that covers many parts on the truck?
John

From a '48-'51 shop manual:

Spring "U" Bolt Nuts

3/4, 1, 1 1/2, and 2 Ton 125 - 150 ft. lbs.

1/2 Ton 75 - 90 ft. lbs.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/53131.htm

The U-Bolt diameter, 9/16" is the same for your '53 as '51, so torque spec should be the same.

Drew,
I opened your link but see only the U bolt diameter but not the torque specs. Is that found elsewhere?
John

Try this link

Thanks.
I have a somewhat related question about the U bolts. I bought mine from LMC and they came with heavy flat washers. The old ones that I removed also had flat washers. The shop manual says to install the U bolts and "lock" washers. Does anyone know for sure which type of washer is appropriate?
John

I'd use what you have. Put a little lock tite on 'em and torque 'em to spec.

I am a bit of a redneck though...

I've only seen the heavy flat washers used there. The nuts should be the "tall" (if that's the right word) type.

I'll leave the heavy flat washers and I do have the "tall" 3/4" head nuts. I have torqued them 75 ft/lbs.
Thanks as always for the help.
John

That is the torque listed for the 3100 above. Did you say yours is a 3600?

Whenever you can't easily find the torque specs for any bolt in your shop manual, here's a very good torque spec sheet that cover all bolts and grades. Don't over torque!!!

Torque spec chart

truckernix,
Mine is a 3600 but had 1/2" U bolts on it and that is what was supplied by TMC. The holes in the axle are drilled for 1/2' not 9/16. Unless the entire front axle was replaced, I can't explain why my 3600 had 1/2" U bolts. Under any conditions, all that the U bolts do is hold the springs down onto the axle. The weight of the truck and load pushes the springs down on top of the axle. No extra weight is placed on the U bolts. They just hold the parts together and I will not carry heavy loads.

Cmayna,
Thansk for the torgue link.
John

U-Bolt Tip:
Anyone that wants to replace any size U-Bolt on their truck should consider shopping at their local recreational trailer dealership or repair shop. They'll have all sizes and likely cheaper then the aftermarket retailers.

This is very good advice.