rear leaf squeek and u-bolts, this is odd, but tru!

i had the squeek in the back for the longest time like so many others. i do not remember when it started to be honest. when i did the AAL i used aftermarket u-bolts. until now i never realized the threads where not as fine as the oem and they were made of just heavy steel, not the hardened "shiner" (i assume grade 8) like oem. i was at a friends shop yesterday and i found some oem u-bolts (off of god knows what) but they where made of the hardened metal like the oem tacoma u-bolts and had finer threads. just thinking they were a better part, i asked and he said i could have them, so i swapped them out.

pulling out the shop it hit me, NO MORE SQUEEK!

think about it, the harder the steel and the finer the threads the tighter the connection with less flex in the u-bolt itself and also allows for alot less play between the nut and the threads on the u-bolt, i am thinking that the finer threads and harder steel may be enough to prevent a slight back n forth play in the connection between the axel and leafs and that maybe one of the squeek issues? just a little axel wrap type play will put the leafs in an awkward position.

do most of you get the squeek after changing u-bolts?

cause of my squeek? maybe so, maybe not, but now i have silence and thought i would share with you guys.