PToombs wrote:I read U bolts stretch when torqued, and are not meant to be reused. Doing so is taking peoples lives in your hands. I cut them off and replace them with new when I have to remove them too. Like Bob said, they are cheap enough to replace.
I'm sure they stretch,it's what they're designed to do. Also,from what I can find on any dodge service manual on my computer at work.....there is no mentioned replacement of ubolts (spring clamping bolts). You know who does recommend it heavily.....aftermarket suppliers. You know why? So they can sell parts.
When's the last time you heard of a u bolt failing and killing someone Pete? How about you Mr Bob?
I've been in and around the automotive industry since I was old enough to push a broom effectively.....I've seen those bolts used over again and have not seen,or had one comeback from an issue with them. I can honestly say this is within the last 20yrs of my life (I'm 35).
Now I'm also just as certain that some dumbass has tried to reuse a half way rusted in two bolt at some time,maybe a bolt that was halfway twisted,or gualded. Yeah....some commomn sense needs to be used.
This crap with "you're taking people's lives in your hands"......no schit,I hadn't noticed. I haven't noticed that on every brake job,universal joint replacement,or tire rotation I've done. Yeah....I guess I could half ass a u joint install and have the front joint come out and let the driveshaft catapult the ass of the vehicle over the front. Or how bout I just tighten the hell out of the lug nuts till the studs stretch till they loose diameter,breaking off as the owner turns a curve. Guess I could just let all the brake fluid out of the system,hoping it all just works.....with magic. Lots of lives in hands.
I am sure you all in the salt and snow have issues with rusty ass bolts and honestly if I lived there (God forbid) I'd probably have the same opinions,but in other areas of the world where steel might actually stay whole......and on a factory bolt. I'll hang with mine.
93 D250 ,5 speed,4.11s,k&n autometer tach pyro trans boost guages,GDS 60mm h1c 14cm,honed 5x10,hplp/reg,1/8 timing,M+H M2 fuel pin, tims cooler tubz