Not to rehash hoards of previous gen tech threads, but what's your preference of hardware for suspension components?

Recently, the Grade 8 hardware I bolted my rear shock-towers with lead to stripped threads on one nut, then shearing another bolt. Considering replacing the hardware with Grade 5, thinking it's more ductile...but if I'm bustin' Grade 8 on the rear shock-towers do I have other problems (e.g. is Grade 5 just a band-aid for a more serious issue)?

Thanks and hollar at me if I need to take this to Newbie Tech...

Originally posted by DieLucas!
Not to rehash hoards of previous gen tech threads, but what's your preference of hardware for suspension components?

Recently, the Grade 8 hardware I bolted my rear shock-towers with lead to stripped threads on one nut, then shearing another bolt. Considering replacing the hardware with Grade 5, thinking it's more ductile...but if I'm bustin' Grade 8 on the rear shock-towers do I have other problems (e.g. is Grade 5 just a band-aid for a more serious issue)?

Thanks and hollar at me if I need to take this to Newbie Tech...
At no time will a grade 5 bolt last longer than a grade 8 bolt.
Yes grade 5 is more ductile. But the shear strength is also less.
In other words, by the time you shear a grade 8 bolt your grade 5 will be long gone..

I would say you have more problems...
What diameter is the bolt? I have run 1/2" bolts in my trucks without issue for a very long time.

Are your shocks bottoming out during compression or extension???

Originally posted by Jason M

I would say you have more problems...
What diameter is the bolt? I have run 1/2" bolts in my trucks without issue for a very long time.

Are your shocks bottoming out during compression or extension???

I wanna say the bolts are 1/2" (10mm??? I'd have to take a look), and no, the shocks are not bottoming out on either compression or extension.

I'm still wondering about the nut that stripped off...and if that left the bolt that sheared susceptable to enough shock-loading to cause it to shear.

Maybe it's time to reexamine my shock mounts...

Over tightening?

Lots and lots of re-using bolts?

Sounds weird!

Originally posted by merv
Over tightening?

Lots and lots of re-using bolts?

Sounds weird!

Possibly over-tightening. The nuts and bolts were brand-spankin' new..."virgin," if you will.

Originally posted by DieLucas!


Possibly over-tightening. The nuts and bolts were brand-spankin' new..."virgin," if you will.

Merv-baiting will get you nowhere :flipoff2:

Generally when you use locknuts on a shock bolt you do not have to tighten them much.

Mine just barely squish the bushing..

Originally posted by PTSchram


Merv-baiting will get you nowhere :flipoff2:

Never liked it too easy :-)

Hmmm...not using locknuts, but lock-washers...and the one bolt that did not shear was missing the nut, but the nut's threads were still there :D

I'll figure it out...maybe it's just the Rover gods telling me I need to scrap this bolt-on chit, tub the rear and go to forced articulation :evil: now if I could only find some good info on cylinders and pumps and where to find 'em (cheap, of course).