can you reuse u bolts i have hear you can't but idk just want to see wht you all had to say. I found an add a leaf to add some lift in the rear. Well i don't thinck the kit comes with u bolts. and i have only had my lift on for less then a year would it be ok you reuse the new ones i got with the lift. here is link to the add a leaf http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EX...ivetrain%7c4WD

 

i just completed a job on a 03 dakota yesterday, i replaced the whole rear axle assembly, and DID re-use the ubolts. just anti-siezed them, and its fine.

i took it for a ride today and it goes mint, nothing feels loose.

 

I've reused U-bolts many, many times and have never had a problem, YMMV.

 

Ymmv????

 

Your mileage may vary.

 

ahh gotcha

 

Wellll...I was taught by example never to reuse. U bolts are a stretch to torque type of fastener and once you've stretched then they are done.
I uderstand that may not be the case anymore, but there are other things you should be cautious of. If internal locking nuts were used theres a good probability the threads are worn under spec. Rust, obvious damage...
Of course you can reuse them, and if they break, you'll have to deal with the mess. And any carnage.
And any liabilty...
and maybe some litigation.
Replacement is such a cheap way to avoid trouble.

http://www.stengelbros.com/U-bolts.htm

 

You do make a good point and that is what i was always told

any thoughts on those add a leafs

 

Do not reuse u-bolts. It simply isn't safe, basically just as dsertdog stated.
You might find that when you install your AAL, your stock u-bolts can't be reused anyway because they will likely not even be long enough. Any good suspension shop can make you a set of new u-bolts, and the cost is very minimal. They can even be made to be stronger then what you have now. Do it right, get new ones.

 

Usually a quality set off AALs come with new bolts and nuts. Of course that'll cost you more, but if you don't have a spring shop close by that can bend you a new set...