Best way to shorten u-bolts?

Hey guys, what is the best way to shorten a bolt without destroying the threads? Have u-bolts that are about 1-1/2 too long on the rear springs that I need to shorten so I can tighten them w/socket. Thanks.

 

thread nut on. cut to length w/ hack saw or grinder. small file to straighten out threads. unthread nut.

 

Cut them with a grinder.

 

I will add to the above that make it slightly rounded end to make it easier to start the nut on the threads after. if you notice new bolts the last thread ring is slightly tapered in to allow for this.

if you cut it crooked then grind it straight before rounding over the last thread and undoing the nut. also run the nut back and forth several times to make sure the threads are fully free and "cleaned up" from any burrs so you don't have trouble getting the nut started back on it later, the nut works as a die to redo and "renew" the threads

 

I've done this many times, and works great. I hate to have too-long u-bolts hanging down to get caught (and bent back ) on rocks when off-roading.

 

Hey guys i bought ubolts a while back that are 8 3/4 long now that Ive added add a leaf they were to short so I bought the next size up I could find which was 10 1/4 but now the ubolts is to long not enough threads to tighten the leaf spring to the axle can I cut and re thread more threads so the bolt will tighten to the top plate

 

Yep, threading a nut on first, then cutting them to length with a hack saw or a grinder/cutoff wheel, then using a file to clean up the cut.

Easy peasey.

 

You could, but you should be able to get the right size from somewhere like Wheelers or Low Range Offroad.

Or have a spring shop make some custom ones for basically the same price.

 

I know that part but the ubolt doesn't have enough thread to tighten the axle to the leaf spring I figure tap and die make new threads

 

I tried everybody sold out of 9 1/4 that I need and make custom ubolts gonna cost me 130 bucks that's a rip off

 

I'm.just gonna cut these down to 9 1/2 inches and re thread with a die till I have enough thread it's not much like an 1" of thread I need

 

I come the power equipment industry so im not sure my experience is applicable, but I don't think so. Usually the unthreaded portion is a larger diameter than peaks of the threads. In production they don't use a traditional die to cut threads but rather a thread forming tool..

Your best bet is to measure the outside diameter of the unthreaded portion with a set of calipers and then look up the max/min dia required for the thread pitch

 

If you already have the die for it, that should work fine unless the diameter is different like @Abeyancer said. That'd take a while though, lol

130 for u bolts is definitely a ripoff. What are they made of, titanium? Should be able to get a set thrown together for like ~$10-15 a piece I'd think.

 

Exactly what I told the guy on the phone anyways I hung up on him he was being a jackass

 

Head to a local spring shop with a 12 pack and a $50, you'll get what you need...

 

I'm.out in the boonies anybody that does that kinda work are normally scamming nazies cause they know nobody around here does that kinda work

 

I can attest to this... if you came into my shop and caught me outta eyesight of a manager. Damn Skippy I'd get you what you need for those kinda side door prices

 

I agree the local metal suppler here in town has been in business for 60 years and he always gives away scrap metal but I always give him a 20 to dig for small pieces for my taco projects even though there free

 

Angle grinder did the trick. So much cleaner when they’re trimmed and they don’t run the risk of hitting the frame under compression.

 

It's always a plus to make good impressions like that! I missed your post about being in the boonies... if reference to what I said previously if your ubolt doesn't have any noticeable shoulder at the base of the threads yoy should have no problem using a die. They should be a mild steel but definitely go easy. If you're as boonies as I used to live some WD40 or motor oil make good tap oil substitutes