The Ford Barn

37 truck · 12-05-2012, 10:28 AM

I am just installing a dropped axle in my 37 pickup and was wondering how much torque to apply? The u-bolts are 1/2 x 18 thread ford originals. Does anyone use a cushion or pad between the top spring and the frame? Uncharted territory for me.

Kube · 12-05-2012, 12:12 PM

There is no torque specification for the spring bolts. In a stock application, one simply draws up the slotted castile nut so that the cotter pin may be properly installed.
A woven pad between the frame and the spring is a must. It absorbs both (albeit mimimum) wear but eliminates squeaks that would otherwise occur without the pad.

19Fordy · 12-05-2012, 08:17 PM

Kube is correct. However, this may help as a bit of a guide.
http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/p...lt_Torque.html

37 truck · 12-06-2012, 11:01 AM

Thanks for the response, 19FORDY that is a good link. I got a spring pad from Roy Nacewicz.

JM 35 Sedan · 12-06-2012, 12:54 PM

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In addition to what Kube said...tighten those four nuts alternately a little at a time until each nut reaches the point at which a cotter pin will go in.

Note: I had not checked the link that 19Fordy posted before I made my above post. That link mentions a similar tightening pattern.

12-05-2012, 10:28 AM	#1
37 truck Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Omak, Washington Posts: 249	Spring u-bolt torque I am just installing a dropped axle in my 37 pickup and was wondering how much torque to apply? The u-bolts are 1/2 x 18 thread ford originals. Does anyone use a cushion or pad between the top spring and the frame? Uncharted territory for me.

12-05-2012, 12:12 PM	#2
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,852	Re: Spring u-bolt torque There is no torque specification for the spring bolts. In a stock application, one simply draws up the slotted castile nut so that the cotter pin may be properly installed. A woven pad between the frame and the spring is a must. It absorbs both (albeit mimimum) wear but eliminates squeaks that would otherwise occur without the pad. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

12-05-2012, 08:17 PM	#3
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,604	Re: Spring u-bolt torque Kube is correct. However, this may help as a bit of a guide. http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/p...lt_Torque.html

12-06-2012, 11:01 AM	#4
37 truck Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Omak, Washington Posts: 249	Re: Spring u-bolt torque Thanks for the response, 19FORDY that is a good link. I got a spring pad from Roy Nacewicz.

12-06-2012, 12:54 PM	#5
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,876	Re: Spring u-bolt torque Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) In addition to what Kube said...tighten those four nuts alternately a little at a time until each nut reaches the point at which a cotter pin will go in. Note: I had not checked the link that 19Fordy posted before I made my above post. That link mentions a similar tightening pattern. __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein* Last edited by JM 35 Sedan; 12-06-2012 at 01:01 PM.