Front suspension install

[amc78cj7]

Well, it's been 2 years since we tore apart the Bronco
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and 1 year since we moved across the country. Yesterday we put the WH rear suspension and axle back on the EB and plan to hit the front end tomorrow. However, we lost all the hardware in the move. Can anyone confirm that we can use Grade 8 1/2" bolts from the local hardware for the radius arms? Any other information on hardware is also greatly appreciated including torque. I've run a google search with little luck finding the specifications.

Pics to come next week.......

Thanks.

 

[lasadoor]

i'm not sure about the size of the bolts, but the torque specs on the radius arms: axle cap to radius arm 90-110 ft-lb and radius arm to bracket 80-120. i got these from Jeff's catalog, they may have this stuff online as well. good luck with it.

 

[TN1776]

When in doubt... OVERKILL! I believe the stock hardware was Grade 5 but I went with Grade 8 to hold the "C" onto my Cage arms. I figure I can't go wrong with overkill, and especially in the suspension department. I do not want my axle going anywhere it shouldn't while I'm driving, on or off road.

 

[bax]

The radius arm cap takes a 9/16'' bolt. Grade 9. I am sure grade 8 would do.

 

[73AnneBoleyn]

i used grade 8 9/16" bolts on my radius caps.


edit: and somehow i missed that bax had already answered. i think i inhaled too many paint fumes today......

 

[amc78cj7]

i used grade 8 9/16" bolts on my radius caps.


edit: and somehow i missed that bax had already answered. i think i inhaled too many paint fumes today......

Interesting. I'll go out and see if a 9/16 fits but a spare 1/2" bolt I had seemed to fit the threads.

 

[amc78cj7]

i used grade 8 9/16" bolts on my radius caps.


edit: and somehow i missed that bax had already answered. i think i inhaled too many paint fumes today......

Of course you were all correct and they are 9/16 coarse thread. I just drove to every hardware and auto store and none carry the flanged hex-head 9/16 cap screws. Any suggestions? I could just go with a standard hex-head grade 8, but the washers are too big. I might also see if I can get them online from jegs or mcmaster carr or fastenal.

BTW, I'm in St. Louis if anyone knows of a local performance shop that might carry them.

 

[73AnneBoleyn]

shoot, i'm going to ace tomorrow. i'll pick you up 8 lock washers if you need 'em. they're only like 85 cents each or something like that. i'll mail 'em out tomorrow. let me know asap.

 

[amc78cj7]

shoot, i'm going to ace tomorrow. i'll pick you up 8 lock washers if you need 'em. they're only like 85 cents each or something like that. i'll mail 'em out tomorrow. let me know asap.

Is that all you are using is lock washers and standard hex head cap bolts? If so I'm all set. I figured It'd be better to have a flush mating surface for a flanged head and use locktight.

 

[73AnneBoleyn]

i'm pretty sure the stock set up is just the bolts and lock washers. i just did the same thing, with grade 8 hardware.

 

[rharrell]

Is that all you are using is lock washers and standard hex head cap bolts? If so I'm all set. I figured It'd be better to have a flush mating surface for a flanged head and use locktight.

I am re-building my front end now and the lock washers are what it came with. They seem to work just fine.

 

[PABrian]

What's the length on these. I am in the same dilemma, and have no idea what they looked like.

 

[amc78cj7]

What's the length on these. I am in the same dilemma, and have no idea what they looked like.

The stock ones were 9/16-coarse with a 2.5" length and a short shank. I discovered that this short shank is not an "of-the-shelf" hardware in Grade 8 and also discovered that 2" are too short to get the cap and radius arm started. Here is what I did - per side I used grade 8: 2.5" with a small diameter flat washer and a split lock washer on opposing corners (Top left, bottom right) to get the cap and radius arm aligned and pulled in. Once they were close enough I used 2" with just a split lock washer on the other two corners. I tightened them down in a criss-cross pattern.

Hope that helps. BTW, I had to vist 4 hardware stores just to find enough of the bolts, and Home Depot and Lowes didn't carry that size (although I have read on another board that the bolts sold by those two stores have premature failure so I'm glad I didn't have to resort to that.)