I just put 63inchers on my runner and was wondering about getting some longer u-bolts to put on some 2 inch blocks. The u bolts that came with my all-pro flip kit just aint long enough. Any suggestions?
Also, I have heard of people painting their leaves with teflon painting or coating to lessen the friction in the leaf pack. This sounds pretty trick to me, where can I get some and what is it exactly?
You can usually find round ubolts at most autoparts stores. Take yours with you and find some that are longier.
Usually what happens is spring manufactures do something to lesson the friction between leafs. They can put these little pads at the end of each leaf, cut the corners of each end of each leaf, or ive seen nylon sliders in between the leafs. These things wont give you more flex or anything like that but will help with any noise from them and will help the life of the spring.
Also, I have heard of people painting their leaves with teflon painting or coating to lessen the friction in the leaf pack. This sounds pretty trick to me, where can I get some and what is it exactly?
My 63" Chevy's have little plastic isolators between each leaf where the center-pin is. They also have the pads at the ends of each leaf. I haven't used the springs yet, but I'd imagine this would be fairly effective in elminating friction since the leafs don't touch metal to metal at rest.
I coated my chevy's with graphite paint. Did it make a difference? Probably not, compared to a buddy that did his without any coating. Having a proper single shackle is more important. If you want more lift, get the full-length add-a-leaf made by pro-comp for the spring donor truck. It will cost the same amount as the long ubolts + blocks, and isn't stoopid.
Find a place that can make your U-bolts on site (big truck places, driveshaft shops) Usually cheaper and you get high grade U-bolts. Most Auto parts stores I've seen have a limited selection of U-bolts and they are of poor quality. If you can't find a place that makes them locally just get some high quality ones from a 4wd shop
Find a place that can make your U-bolts on site (big truck places, driveshaft shops) Usually cheaper and you get high grade U-bolts. Most Auto parts stores I've seen have a limited selection of U-bolts and they are of poor quality. If you can't find a place that makes them locally just get some high quality ones from a 4wd shop
Get the u-bolts made!?!? Don't you guys have NAPA parts stores around you? Go to NAPA and ask for 6" round u-bolts for a 3" diameter axle tube.
They should have a book of nothing but u-bolts so you can pick out exactly what you need. For the plates - Get a piece of 3/8" steel large enough that you can make two plates. There is a template on this site for the plates and hole locations. You'll need access to a drill press or an iron worker.
NAPA sucks a fat one for u bolts!! 4wd shop,logging shop,muffler shop sombody makes u bolts around u.might be a few bucks more but u get what u need and the bolts arent some shitty chinese half grade
I used SlipPlate Graphite Lubricant after I sandblasted my leaf springs. The springs do not make any noise, but I don't know how long the coating will last.
I did not notice a difference in spring rate or travel because of the coating. I suggest you only do this if you are concerned about:
- the noises coming from your springs
- the look of your leaf pack
I have not coated the rear springs.... not sure if I want to spend the time doing those leafs.
I used Slipcoat as well, not perfect but does last a while. I do need to re-paint mine, pretty much worn off after about 5 years use. I like the Rancho u-bolts, look up the dimension needed on their web site (http://www.gorancho.com/) and then order on-line or from a local 4x4 shop by part number. Bolts are available ina number of diameters and lengths and they are top quality, Grade 8 bolts and nuts, and the threads are vey well formed and strong. I've been running the same set of 5/8" bolts up front on my '85 for about 7 years now. They have not stretched, stripped or even rusted and look just like they day they were installed. A bit more expensive, but I like something that lasts a long time. I hate the one-time use u-bolts that you get from some places.
I made my own packs and ground off the straight edge on some of the leafs
to make them slide better . Teflon ? dodn't need it , as I wont be cooking on my springs.......
my 63 inch chevys make all kinds of noise, its rather discouraging because i work on it often and it sounds like a pos driving down the road, is slip coat the best for the price and where can i get it. ps springs look to be in good condition and have plastic spacers still intact i have tried all kinds of grease and lubes they dont help thanks
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