Looking for Stainless U bolts. Ideas?

[Broaner]

Title pretty much explains it all. I'm building up a 31 spline 8.8 and I'd like doing things so they last. So I'd like some SS u-bolts long enough to account for the stock 2" blocks. Any ideas are welcome. Thanks guys.

Edit: Found this site but they don't offer a 3.25" U-bolt which is what the exploder tube needs; correct?

 

[engdept]

Good luck finding them and good luck paying for them. I would almost bet they will be close to $500 for the set.

A buddy got standard u-bolts made for his from a local spring shop for $40.

 

[CopyKat]

Stainless hardware is equivallent to Grade 2 hardware.

You will gawl the threads of the nut before you get to the recommended torque of axle u-bolts..

If you want them to look pretty then get them zinc coated.

 

[gotmudd]

also from experience, because i work in the fishing industry, even though stainless looks pretty and people prefer it because of the "no rust" factor, you will have zero warning, IE: rust and obvious corrosion, of when they will fail. most people don't realize that stainless "rots" from the inside out.

 

[CopyKat]

And don't let it get close to aluminum.

 

[engdept]

No kidding!

 

[F150hybred]

You would be far better looking for galvanized or zink plated. Strength is of the highest importance here and stainless isn't gonna cut it.

 

[Dishtowel]

Title pretty much explains it all. I'm building up a 31 spline 8.8 and I'd like doing things so they last. So I'd like some SS u-bolts long enough to account for the stock 2" blocks. Any ideas are welcome. Thanks guys.

Edit: Found this site but they don't offer a 3.25" U-bolt which is what the exploder tube needs; correct?

So they last? just get big fat normal bolts. When I need u-bolts I go to a Heavytruck trailer repair outfit. Bradvin Trailer. They sell/service/repair big boy trailers. I'm not advertising for them, I'm just trying to help you find what you want. They make me whatever u-bolts I want. They have stock and then they just bend them to what I need. Try the yellow pages, call around?

 

[MAKG]

What kind of person doesn't consider 13 years "lasting?"

Put another set of OEM-type bolts, and it will last another 13 years, given the same conditions.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

What kind of person doesn't consider 13 years "lasting?"

Put another set of OEM-type bolts, and it will last another 13 years, given the same conditions.

With a quick coat of paint the 23 year old ones on my '85 would pass for new...

 

[Broaner]

Bumping this back up in case anybody else is looking for the same thing. Grade 8 3 1/4" long enough for the stock blocks. http://www.paddockparts.com/Paddock/product_family.asp?family_id=4394&gift=False&0=dept.asp,dept_id=10&menu_id=&Tree=,Firebird&1=dept.asp,dept_id=356&menu_id=&Tree=0,Firebird Suspension&mscssid=043DB6FD59B6A435D9134ADD7AC6A652

 

[engdept]

$35 for 1 u-bolt? That is absurd.
http://www.paddockparts.com/Paddock/productr.asp?pf_id=TS23709&gift=False&0=dept.asp,dept_id=10&menu_id=&Tree=,Firebird&1=dept.asp,dept_id=356&menu_id=&Tree=0,Firebird Suspension&2=product_family.asp,family_id=4394&Tree=1,Stainless Steel "U" Bolts For Rear Axle&HSLB=False&mscssid=000A309787B94D47B06557659DF232D2

 

[gotmudd]

And don't let it get close to aluminum.

No kidding!

actually stainless fasteners is the only thing closely compatible to aluminum, yes the stainless over time may rot the aluminum but that is what we use to fasten our drum to the deck of our boat.FWIW the the part of the drum that fastens to the deck is aluminum

$35 for 1 u-bolt? That is absurd.
http://www.paddockparts.com/Paddock/productr.asp?pf_id=TS23709&gift=False&0=dept.asp,dept_id=10&menu_id=&Tree=,Firebird&1=dept.asp,dept_id=356&menu_id=&Tree=0,Firebird Suspension&2=product_family.asp,family_id=4394&Tree=1,Stainless Steel "U" Bolts For Rear Axle&HSLB=False&mscssid=000A309787B94D47B06557659DF232D2

depends on where you go

 

[Broaner]

Absurd? Not really. You get what you pay for. I'm so deep in the rust belt that the ~$23 required for the ones I need are well worth it to me. To put it in perspective, I spend $500 a year on an unlimited carwash pass and use it nearly everyday for six months outta the year. Money spent to protect my automotive lovelies are well worth it IMO.

 

[scoob8000]

I'm not sure if they have what you are after, but check with the folks at Totally Stainless (1.800.767.4781).

They have a lot of higher strength stainless nuts and bolts.. Some even stronger than grade 8!