What do you need from a 5/8" U-bolt? Product developpement!

Hi folks,

I'm currently working on a new suspension componenent for the rear of my truck and eventually to offer it to everyone (soon to come). I have the chance to have a shop here that is pretty competent on thread and bolts things and they can custom made U-bolt.

At first I began with the project to make some 9/16" U-bolt as they were about the "standard" but endend with the possibility to have the 5/8" for about the same price.

They won't be sh*t, 5/8" diameter probably fine pitch made of special purpose Cro-Moly alloy... Only one of them could probably hold something like 20 trucks off the ground. Maybe it's overkill but I know there is a tendency to go for the stronger is better and also because some are hardcore users of their truck.

So I'm writing this as a poll to know if some of you could be interested to buy if they are at a good price. At the end I have a better price if I order some quantity.

Also, fell free to tell me what whould be the perfect lenght U-bolt for you. It's time to ask, they're gonna be custom made for our need, therefore, I'd prefer to have only one model at the end. Also, I'm gonna use the same u-bolt for my suspension components.

Thanks a lot folks!

 

If you want to refer to specific lenght size for "C" or "D".

C=Total inside lenght
D=Thread lenght

 

IMO the off-the-shelf U-bolts are strong enough if torqued properly. U-bolt length is also dependent on the leaf pack / AAL chosen, so each user will need a different length. That why most U-bolts are sold long, then cut down to suit individual application. That's why I'd rather buy U-bolts readily available off the shelf than custom-made.

What kind of protective finish are you planning for your U-bolts? Cadmium plate? Zinc? Black oxide, for example, wouldn't last long against road salt. Corrosion can easily reduce the breaking strength by half or even 2/3.

 

Thanks for your reply, by the way, I updated my title, they will gonna be made for flip kit, not as a direct replacement part.

There is no coating that are gonna be made. Some of the coating process affect surface hardess and make the U-bolt brittle. The final alloy will be choose to ensure it to be rust resistant enough for road salt.