U-Bolt Plates

[boots]

I have to get new u-bolt plates and u-bolts for my truck becuase I have 4" blocks so the bolts need to be longer. My old plates have the stock u-bolts stuck in the holes, I will put some PB-Blaster on them tommorow to see if I can get the bolts out of there. I doubt it will work though. So im thinking of making my own plates from some thick 3/8" or 1/2" steel.. These plates should go on top of the leaf springs, so my new u-bolts will have to wrap around the bottom of the axle. When I was at work today doing some brake jobs I was looking at the u-bolt plates that most of the new trucks have, they arent that thick, and dont look like it would be hard to duplicate. Anyone have any comments, is this something that can be done?

[boots]

[FORDification]

I see no reason why you couldn't fab those yourself, as long as they're at least as thick as factory pieces. Be sure you include the locating pin in the middle of it, to keep it from moving around.

[heep70]

Make sure you bend up the ends at an angle. If you don't they will eventually bend down and around the spring packs and then the work begins. I went with 3/8" on my old jeep. But ya, go for it.

[boots]

I was thinking something like this...?

[greasemonkey060]

i dont see anything wrong with it