PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: PintoCDN on February 07, 2020, 02:52:32 PM

Title: Pinto U-Bolt
Post by: PintoCDN on February 07, 2020, 02:52:32 PM: Hello,
I intend to swap a 8" Mustang II rear axle and replace U-Bolts instead of 7.5". I am not able to find a part # or specs for it. Your help will be appreciated.
Jean
Title: Re: Pinto U-Bolt
Post by: Wittsend on February 07, 2020, 04:11:47 PM: I can't recall whether I got all the Mustang II parts when I bought my 8", or I used the existing from the 6-3/4" rear end. As you can see in the picture the 8" tube does narrow down. The center to center on the U-bolts is roughly 2-3/4". The inner half circle of the U-bolt will be somewhat smaller. Sorry but it was 12 years ago and I just can't recall. Perhaps the pictures will help.
Title: Re: Pinto U-Bolt
Post by: 65ShelbyClone on February 07, 2020, 08:26:15 PM: Quote from: PintoCDN on February 07, 2020, 02:52:32 PM
Hello,
I intend to swap a 8" Mustang II rear axle and replace U-Bolts instead of 7.5".
The original was 6.75" rather than 7.5, but it doesn't matter here. The u-bolts from either will work.
Title: Re: Pinto U-Bolt
Post by: Reeves1 on February 08, 2020, 08:05:47 AM: Don't re-use diff U-bolts. Get new ones from a spring shop (or jobbers) and TQ to spec & do not forget to re-TQ after driving one time.
Title: Re: Pinto U-Bolt
Post by: Billnparts on February 08, 2020, 11:06:42 AM: Any good spring shop can make you whatever you need.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Pinto U-Bolt
Post by: 65ShelbyClone on February 08, 2020, 11:24:55 AM: Quote from: Reeves1 on February 08, 2020, 08:05:47 AM
Don't re-use diff U-bolts. Get new ones from a spring shop (or jobbers) and TQ to spec & do not forget to re-TQ after driving one time.

I'm curious why they shouldn't be reused? For a high-stress build I can understand not wanting to, but I think PintoCDN is just running a warmed-over 2.3.

I seem to recall that the stock nuts are also distorted-thread locknuts. A lot of aftermarket u-bolt sets don't have locking nuts. A retorque on those I definitely recommend as well as periodic checks thereafter.
Title: Re: Pinto U-Bolt
Post by: TIGGER on February 14, 2020, 07:28:33 PM: When I put lowering blocks on my 79 wagon, I had u-bolts made from my local spring shop. They were expensive. The last 3-4 cars I have done, I bought u-bolts from my local RV supply place. They are tons cheaper there and have many different sizes and lengths.
Title: Re: Pinto U-Bolt
Post by: Wittsend on February 17, 2020, 11:04:30 AM: I think it depends on where you live (or more specifically were the car lived) regarding U-bolt replacement. For those of us in So. Cal. it is likely a non-issue. Reeves (who is listed as from cold/snowy Alberta) had a nasty car crash with his Pinto. So, I'd assume he has a better reason to change the U-bolts than myself.
Title: Re: Pinto U-Bolt
Post by: Reeves1 on February 17, 2020, 08:47:38 PM: Quote from: Wittsend on February 17, 2020, 11:04:30 AM
I think it depends on where you live (or more specifically were the car lived) regarding U-bolt replacement. For those of us in So. Cal. it is likely a non-issue. Reeves (who is listed as from cold/snowy Alberta) had a nasty car crash with his Pinto. So, I'd assume he has a better reason to change the U-bolts than myself.

Never had a crash......

U-bolts, regardless of where you live, stretch. Thought it was well known that they were never to be re-used.
Title: Re: Pinto U-Bolt
Post by: Wittsend on February 17, 2020, 10:27:05 PM: Opps, sorry Reeves. It was 71 Pintoracer that had the bad crash and the car was severely damaged. In my old age I get these racy looking Pinto's confused. https://www.fordpinto.com/general-pinto-talk/the-totaled-pintoracer-warning!!!-graphic-pictures!!/msg181977/#msg181977