Sheared axle U-bolt

When changing my leaf springs, one of my square ubolts sheared off on one side (the rust really fused the nut on), so there's only 3 nuts holding it to the axle after changing the spring. Would it be stupid to drive it for a few days like this until I can find a replacement?

None of the local parts stores carry these bolts, nothing on Amazon prime, and nothing in stock at the Toyota stealerships (also they wanted about $70+tax per single bolt to order, not even a set). So it may be a few days before I can find the right part.

They seem to be 1/2" diameter rod, about 7" long, with 2.75" spacing between the rods, or 3" on centre measure between the sides. Does anyone know others that would fit, so that I could ask a parts supplier, who might have them listed in stock for other makes and models of truck?

Kinda urgent as I use my truck for work and will need it tomorrow and don't want to risk driving it temporarily if you think it's a stupid idea.

I was thinking of trying to weld the bolt back together and reap the threads to use until I can get new parts, but the nut is still fused at the point it sheared, so it's in the way of where it would need to be welded anyway.

 

It would be very foolish to drive the truck with a broken u-bolt. It may be inconvenient to arrange for transportation and another work vehicle, but it is not worth taking the chance.

 

Don't do it, usually auto parts stores have them in stock

 

Big rig shops can also make you a set. Bend them and everything

 

Find a truck spring shop

 

I believe it's 2.5" spacing, since the leaf pack itself is only 2.25" wide? I see Wheeler's carries them: Other popular places like Toytec, Headstrong, and 4WheelParts should have them as well, since it's common to replace the U-bolts when installing a rear lift. Also check tractor supply and trailer supply stores, since trailer axles need U-bolts too.

 

Find a spring shop get set made .

Always good to have extras on hand .

 

You’re right, it’s 2.5” spacing. Thanks for the input all, mentioning I could get some bent up gave me the idea to weld up a rod bender from scrap I had laying around, and I bought some 1/2 threaded rod and bent it to use for the meantime until I can get a new set.

 

Just remember. All the power that your engine makes, transferred through the transmission and drive shaft goes to that axlewhich has 4 bolts holding it all in place. Tread lightly when moving that 4500 lbs of truck with your home made ubolts.

 

As others mentioned, a good spring shop can make them for you.
I just spent $250 on a set of 4 at the dealer.
It was late in the day, I needed them, and the dealer had them in stock.
That's the price I had to pay for not planning ahead.

 

Guaranteed that homemade all thread isn't rated the same as a purpose built U bolt.

A couple days worth of Uber is peanuts compared to that thing snapping on you on the highway.

While I can appreciate the enginuity in making your own part:

Just. Buy. The. Right. U Bolts.

 

I knew a guy that put all thread in place of his long expensive A-arm bolts once. Just once, just for a few minutes, just 'til he got down the road.

Didn't even have a corner bent into it to weaken it and it snapped like a twig.

 

you would be much better off with 2 long grade 8 bolts and a thick steel strap like 2 1/4" plates stacked on top of each other to go over the leaf spring pack if you absolutely had to jerry rig something

 

Yup. When I did roadside fleet service I torched the old ones off and took the pieces to Driveline Service Of Atlanta and they bent new ones.

 

Sounds good, I contacted a place to bend me new ones, so really only planning to use the piece I jerry rigged to go pick up the new ones.

 

The spring shop I usually buy u bolts from has a picture of Frankenstein with a broken ubolt sticking out of his neck.
It warns people not to reuse u bolts.

 

Take that threaded rod off and throw it in the trash and do not drive the truck until you get the right U bolt. I'd get fired before I drove a truck without proper U bolt installation.

Here is a series of pictures that I took myself of the result of somebody doing EXACTLY that. Note the bent threaded rod U bolts.
Obviously this truck has a lot of other issues that compounded the problem (lift blocks and tires) but it's still not worth it. This wouldn't have happened if he had proper U bolts.











Side note: Take one of your old U bolts and try to bend it and compare that with how easily you bent that threaded rod

 

/endthread

morale of the story - don't cheap out on u-bolts

Also don't want to end up like this guy

 

What the blank happened there, that’s a new truck

 

he had aftermarket leaf springs and didn't properly torque down his new u-bolts.

He also had plenty of warning when they started trying to pull him, you could SEE his axle moving way too much, but they didn't stop:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_14lcjSoQU0