Dana 44 U-bolts

[AJPulley]

Hey you guys who put in 44s, did the U-bolts seem a bit big at first when you put it in? Mine are about 3 1/8 inches on the bottom of the U-bolt, and the tube is maybe 2 3/4-2 5/8 I think?

 

[sidriptide]

my new ones from RE were close to 1/4" large at the bend. but when they are cranked down the draw tight and "stretch" . thats also why they are not supposed to be re-used. (but we all do it)

 

[CMNCHE]

I used 3" inside diameter ones I had originally bought for an 8.25 and they seemed big at first but once tightened they were ok.

 

[BingBing]

Did you get the right u-bolts? Maybe those are for an 8.25?

 

[AJPulley]

I called and they said they were the 3 in. for the 44. I guess I'm used to seeing used bolts. They look like a perfect fit when they are on and after they've been back off.

I'll tighten 'em down and see how they fit.

Thanks guys.

 

[Eagle]

Hey you guys who put in 44s, did the U-bolts seem a bit big at first when you put it in? Mine are about 3 1/8 inches on the bottom of the U-bolt, and the tube is maybe 2 3/4-2 5/8 I think?

Where did you get them? Sounds like you got u-bolts for a Mopar 8.25 axle -- they have larger tubes, and the u-bolts have a different part number than D44 u-bolts.

 

[tetsulo]

When I did my SOA/D44 conversion on my MJ I ordered new U-Bolts from Rusty's and new spring perches from MORE with a 2.75 radius and both were a perfect fit. Sounds like your u-bolts may be a little large.

Matthew

 

[sidriptide]

Sounds like your u-bolts may be a little large.

Matthew

sounds like Rusty is just being cheap and using 1 u-bolt for more than 1 application.

 

[AJPulley]

Ya, spoke with Rusty himself and he uses the same Ubolt for the 35 too! That's one big Ubolt for the 35 if you ask me.

So, I think this is what I'll do considering it's pointless to ship four Ubolts back- cost of shipping would negate any refund:
First, I'll try tightening them down and see if they conform like two of you did. If that doesn't work, I'll look for some new Ubolts closer to the right size and have them shipped. I'll just have to take it on this one. Who'd thought to verify Ubolt size when there are three axles to choose from when you order:dunno:

 

[tetsulo]

sounds like Rusty is just being cheap and using 1 u-bolt for more than 1 application.

I guess so, but I'm surprised at the change. I just ordered two spare pairs of spring centering bolts and I almost grabbed a U-bolt or two as well. I wish I had now. Would be interesting to see if it too is the larger size or if Rusty is just covering for yet another part screwup. I just found a local spring shop though and they can make any size U-bolt you ask for -- I figured this time around I would send the business local.

Matthew

 

[AJPulley]

I didn't think of the spring shop. I just went there the other day for two custom cut short leaf spacers and new center pins.

But, I actually found some new 2.75x9 in. U-bolts for the 35 in a box of spare parts I forgot I had. Man, does it ever pay to save junk!!!

 

[Eagle]

D35 u-bolts shouldn't fit a D44. The D44 tubes are larger than a D35 but smaller than an 8.25. They are three different part numbers from the factory.

 

[AJPulley]

D35 u-bolts shouldn't fit a D44. The D44 tubes are larger than a D35 but smaller than an 8.25. They are three different part numbers from the factory.

44 is 2.76, 35 is 2.64. They fit, so they're on.

 

[Eagle]

44 is 2.76, 35 is 2.64. They fit, so they're on.

You can't knock success. party1:

 

[AJPulley]

You can't knock success. party1:

Yup. I don't remember why I kept those, probably were the wrong size for the 35!

 

[GhostDakota]

The ones I got from work here were too big. I'm assuming for an old CJ 44 maybe?? I ended up using a set of D35 ubolts and making them fit.