Any one with a FSM tell me if the book says replace U bolts

[merace19]

I just want to know what the BOOK says. So please no opinions or internet rumors.I know a lot of people replace and or upgrade to the 8.8 from the explorer. And a lot of jeeps use them too. What I want to know is, does the FSM say anything about replacing the U bolts when you have to loosen them for any reason? I associate that with taking them off and pulling axle then reusing on next vehicle. I think the Ubolts can be reused, Ford makes some good ones and I have always reused them many times.

 

[Hagan]

Sorry I don't have a FSM

This is a fact not an opinion. I reused the bolts on my 8.8 swap and haven't had any problems.

 

[merace19]

Well so do I, I want proof from the manual so I can shut up a few folks...

 

[Captain Ledd]

I have one for a 97. I'll try and grab it before I go to "work" tonight (I work with the disabled on the midnight shift this weekend, which otherwise means getting paid to find the end of the internet.)

But right now unfortunately it's bedtime.

I Bought some used u-bolts when I did my 8.8 swap, bought the axle a long time before I know what I was doing. Red-loctite baby!

 

[adsm08]

I do not have the shop manuals handy but I recently replaced thr spring spacers on an F150 off a TSB and it did direct to replace the nuts and bolts.

That is a good indication that the shop manual for that vehicle will direct to replace them.

Postin' from teh Galaxy

 

[merace19]

Not necessary. TSB may had been directed at those parts as well.
I want from the FSM to tell me or a later supplement.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Most hardware from ford is remove and discard....I will check on inford for you later when I am not on my phone.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[merace19]

Thanks you..

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Well...here is what is in the manual for removal of a leaf spring on a 2011 Ranger

Removal and Installation
NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use replacement parts of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02.

1. Using a suitable jack, support the rear axle.

1. Remove and discard the lower shock absorber bolt and nut.
   • To install, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).

1. NOTE: When installing new U-bolts, the distance between the U-bolts should be 93 mm (3.66 in) ± 3 mm (0.12 in). This is important for providing the correct U-bolt clamp load and retention of parts.
   Remove and discard the 4 rear U-bolt nuts.
   • Remove the U-bolts and the spring plate.
   • To install, tighten the U-bolt nuts in 4 stages.
     • Stage 1: Tighten in a cross pattern to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
     • Stage 2: Tighten in a cross pattern to 60 Nm (44 lb-ft).
     • Stage 3: Tighten in a cross pattern to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
     • Stage 4: Tighten in a cross pattern to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

1. If equipped, carefully lower the rear axle and remove the rear spring spacer.

1. Remove and discard the spring-to-frame bracket bolt and flagnut.
   • To install, tighten the new bolt to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).

1. Remove and discard the spring shackle-to-spring bolt and nut and remove the spring.
   • To install, tighten the new nut to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).

1. If necessary, remove the spring shackle.
   • Remove and discard the spring shackle-to-frame bracket bolt and flagnut.
   • Remove the shackle.
   • To install, tighten the new bolt to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

 

[4x4junkie]

Pages 04-02-6 to 04-02-7 of my '94 FSM says the following:

Spring, Rear, Ranger

Removal and Installation

1.
Raise the vehicle on the frame hoist. Support axle on a jack without compressing springs.

2.
Remove the nuts from spring U-bolts and drive the U-bolts from the rear spring cap.

3.
Remove the spring-to-bracket nut and bolt at the front of rear spring.

4.
Remove the shackle upper and lower nuts and bolts at the rear of the rear spring.

5.
Remove the rear spring and shackle assembly from the rear spring hanger (5775).

For installation, follow removal procedures in reverse order.

• Lower the vehicle to the floor.
• Tighten the spring U-bolt nuts to 88-108 N•m (65-80ft-lb).
• Tighten the front spring bolt to 100-155 N•m (75-115 ft-lb) and the rear shackle and hanger bolts to 100-15 N•m (75-115 ft-lb).

It then goes on the same for Explorer springs.


Edit too slow typing lol.

Looks like they've added a whole ton of legaleze to this procedure since '94 lol.
(and discarding of the axle U-bolt nuts, along with the spring hanger bolts & nuts... but still not requiring the U-bolts themselves be replaced it looks like)

Also, I think your manual is stuck on step "1"

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Ya the numbering doesn't seem to jive when you do a copy and paste for some reason...

 

[adsm08]

Looks like they've added a whole ton of legaleze to this procedure since '94 lol.
(and discarding of the axle U-bolt nuts, along with the spring hanger bolts & nuts... but still not requiring the U-bolts themselves be replaced it looks like)

The newer units have teflon lock nuts that are technically never supposed to be reused as they no longer "lock" after being removed.

 

[merace19]

So the older Explorers with the 8.8 rear can be reused?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

No where on there do I see remove and discard U bolts....just the nuts.

 

[merace19]

Good deal. I gonna keep reusing them and being happy...