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Author Topic: Pinto U-Bolt  (Read 1346 times)

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Offline PintoCDN

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Pinto U-Bolt
« 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

Offline Wittsend

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Re: Pinto U-Bolt
« Reply #1 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.

Offline 65ShelbyClone

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Re: Pinto U-Bolt
« Reply #2 on: February 07, 2020, 08:26:15 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.
'72 Runabout - 2.3T, T5, MegaSquirt-II, 8", 5-lugs, big brakes.
'68 Mustang - Built roller 302, Toploader, 9", etc.

Offline Reeves1

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Re: Pinto U-Bolt
« Reply #3 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.

Offline Billnparts

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Re: Pinto U-Bolt
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2020, 11:06:42 AM »
Any good spring shop can make you whatever you need.


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Offline 65ShelbyClone

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Re: Pinto U-Bolt
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2020, 11:24:55 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.
'72 Runabout - 2.3T, T5, MegaSquirt-II, 8", 5-lugs, big brakes.
'68 Mustang - Built roller 302, Toploader, 9", etc.

Offline TIGGER

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Re: Pinto U-Bolt
« Reply #6 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.
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Offline Wittsend

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Re: Pinto U-Bolt
« Reply #7 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.

Offline Reeves1

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Re: Pinto U-Bolt
« Reply #8 on: February 17, 2020, 08:47:38 PM »
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.

Offline Wittsend

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Re: Pinto U-Bolt
« Reply #9 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