Scary? Short U Bolts

Are the washers behind the bolts lock washers?

If so (and I am going to ruffle some feathers) I wouldn't take it on any cross country road trips, but I'd think you'd be okay for a few days or so.

I hate auto parts stores. When I'm buying from them I always bring in what I need and say "this." Take one of the bolts to them and say "little longer please."

 

FYI, factory service manual torque spec for the 3G is 52 lb/ft...

 

Why not remove the shims and run without those for 2 days? I'd much rather do that than run on the u-bolts with that little thread engagement.

 

You’re best bet would be to find another truck with a similar sized and shape ubolt that is actually a bit longer. Check the Chevy ford etc... light duty trucks

Or take a look on McMaster Carr they might have something that’s pretty close.

 

OP, why ask for peoples opinions if your going to argue with every one who you don't agree with?

 

Just because you torqued them twice where they are does not mean they are good to go. The first couple of threads on a bolt are not true, meaning you are not getting full contact with the inside of the nut. You have now stretched those threads and vibration will allow them to become loose.
If its only two miles to work I think I would walk that or ride a bicycle for the next two days, but you do what you feel is best for your safety.

 

This.

Removing the washers will allow for more thread engagement. It will also remove the washer that crushes and conforms to the mounting surface, the nut will not do this. You get more threads in the nut providing more stability and you get less stability by removing the washer allowing it to mount with some minor variation in angle.

Also, some other things mentioned, not bashing anyone, loctite will help keep the nut from rotating but not if its exposed to large amounts of stress on only a couple threads. Torquing to spec is good but again using two or three threads on the nut doesnt provide the same holding force as using or having threads on both sides. The tension is maintained over a smaller area and may not be maintained evenly.

 

To answer your question. No, I do not think this is scary, I think this is reckless. Not only are you putting yourself and your truck at risk, you're potentially putting others at risk. If you have to drive your truck on a public road, until you can properly install the shims, don't run with them on. Simple. This is not safe, you seem to already know that.

 

How am I arguing with anyone? I have added some facts that I thought were pertinent (torqued them twice- now I understand I may have used the wrong torque value but there is a loooong thread on that which I am going through). Also clarified that my drive to work is very low stress- not rough roads or stop and go city traffic or interstate. As stated earlier, I appreciate the input and it’s why I posted up.

 

sigh...

 

You are ok for now, for the street. Blue locktite will give you some peace of mind. Replace them with some immediacy, don't let it go.

 

A little axle hop never hurt nobody!

 

You're really not getting proper torque out of those no matter how many times you say you've torqued them. You don't even half half thread engagement in those nuts. I wouldn't even run that if the bolts were even with the face of the nut, and you've got even less than that.

If you don't want input or people telling you it's not safe, don't make the thread.

Matt

 

You have stretched the hell out of those bolts. You shouldn’t even really be reusing them in the first place, not to mention you don’t have enough threads.

 

Endo for the win!

 

Agreed. OP is going to get a bunch of opinions, most non professional, meaning they don't get paid for mechanical work. I do get paid for this, which doesn't mean my opinion is the only one that matters, but I hope it would mean something. I wouldn't leave a nut threaded like this on any moving part, or any part either. Simply because I wouldn't want the responsibility for failure, which in this case will happen eventually. I'm simply saying don't run it from the point of view that as a mechanic something like this will eventually fail, the risk could potentially total the truck, and from personal experience of seeing moving part failures linked to improper mounting and fastening.

 

This!

And not that OP is necessarily arguing, but isn’t listening to the legitimate points being made. He just wanted validation for his poor decision.

 

But why not just remove the shim and know you are safe, it's only a couple days and the u-bolts are being replaced anyways. I just don't understand why you would even take the risk when you have an easy solution.

 

U are OK like this, just add some zip ties and duct tape.

 

LOL, true story. Thanks everyone!