Bolts that require re-torquing: why not just thread lock?

I’m putting a u-bolt flip kit on my 2nd gen. The instructions say that the bolts require re-torquing after 50 and 500 miles. Is there a reason I can’t just put some threadlocker on them (blue or red) and skip the re-torquing?

 

The new u bolts can “stretch” therefore come loose slightly even tho the bolt doesn’t turn. Slightest amount usually they just say retorque as a precaution. I’ve done many lifts and trucks that come back for a retorque never have loose bolts.

 

1) Liability
2) Safety

Better safe than sorry.

 

There was a third gen who lost his rear axle because he didn’t re-torque. Some instructions exist for a reason.

 

Yes. U-bolts will stretch. I've gone on trips through the Fordyce trail with my bro-in-law and watch him torque his u-bolts before the trip and after and he does get the slightest turn when off the trail.

 

Always a guy knowing how to do it better that hasn't done it yet...

 

A lot a times it is recommended to recheck lug nut torque after so many miles.
It usually depends on the wheel type and or manufacturer.
I know when we bought our new utility trailer, it was required that you check the torque every 50 miles for the first 150. Then each 500 miles after. Yes, the first time we checked the lugs did turn slightly before the torque wrench “clicked”.

I guess my point is, I’m not sure I’d want to run loctite on my lug nuts?
That would not be too fun, while changing a flat on the side of the road.

 

I've never had to retorque a ubolt but its a good idea.

The big ones for me are the control arm bolts. Both upper and lower after major work I'll bring back in after alignment test drive and reef on them one more time.

 

Ha, if your referring to me, I never mention I know how to do it better, I'm only explaining what I've seen and experience.

 

I am sure he meant me!!

 

This more then any other reason

 

I got a partial turn out of some of the u bolt nuts on both my dads 08 and my 04. Maybe 1000 miles after initial install. Would they have come apart? I doubt it, but Im glad I checked.

 

Thanks for the replies! I didn't think about the u-bolts stretching! I thought the worry was the bolts would loosen themselves from vibration so I figured you could loctite those and problem solved! But if the bolts themselves get longer, that's a different story!

 

U-bolts holding leaf springs together. You don't want to thread lock and be done with it. Let it find it's happy home and toqe it down. I was just joking about with the "always a guy knows best" crap. I am usually that guy...

 

i will refer U 1st to ' ARP " for Ur edification

they KNOW bolts .....fasteners ....... studs ETC!!!!!!!!

years ago they published a table of a common bolt
stud
fastener
from rods ..... heads etc

Same size........SAME torque........SAME torque wrench
using ALL fo the usual culprits in a typical garage

WD40.......engine oil diff weights.......3n 1 oil.......polishing the threads
several types o thread lockers
******* i have not been able to find that table
After the designed their product & offered it.......... they may have deleted it

some reduced the actual torque values dramatically
subsequently ARP developed they own dedicated product

essentially which was MORE consistent & gave reading closer to the desired values

many MARQUES & racing teams assemble more DRY than most know
When i say DRY there is a distinct abscence of chemicals / spray/ etc

ive taken many an engine & vehicle apart & found NO evidence of thread lockers
NO way U get the same torque !!!!!!!!!!!

vibration & stretch are NOT the only or major concerns
if the initial construct is OFF a direct result of lubricants .............questionable tools
later after breakdown ...... teardown
whichwver come 1st

can lead 1 to believe a component failure when assembly was a factor

 

If thread locker is not called for then don’t use it, thread locker actually changes the torque spec.