Cradle bolts and upper strut bolts.

[rushca01]

For those that have done rear suspension mods and had to drop the cradle and unbolt the upper strut did you replace any of the bolts? Per ford parts catalogue these are all one time use even though none of the instructions I’m reading state to replace these, only torque to spec. I literally just torqued these all down and now to go back and replace them...not difficult just a pain.

Sponsored

 

[JohnVallo]

For those that have done rear suspension mods and had to drop the cradle and unbolt the upper strut did you replace any of the bolts? Per ford parts catalogue these are all one time use even though none of the instructions I’m reading state to replace these, only torque to spec. I literally just torqued these all down and now to go back and replace them...not difficult just a pain.

I have just dropped my cradle and I'm planning on using the same cradle & strut bolts going back together. One thing for sure I'm doing is putting the Steeda IRS alignment bushings in. Otherwise you can really get the cradle in pretty crooked, because of the slop in the cradle bushing holes. Also, If you ever drop the cradle again you will be assured it will go back in the same place every time. I have watched the American Muscle, CJ Pony, and Steeda video's and none of them recommended new bolts when dropping the cradle.

 

[Zombo]

I haven't done rear suspension mods on my 350, but two reasons (I can think of) why these bolts are specified as requiring replacement:

1) They are torqued to yield, meaning the bolts have a permanent stretch when torqued properly. If this is the case, they NEED to be replaced.
2) They have a one time use self locking feature on them (painted on patch, etc.). In this case, reusing with a locking compound should be sufficient.

 

[rushca01]

I haven't done rear suspension mods on my 350, but two reasons (I can think of) why these bolts are specified as requiring replacement:

1) They are torqued to yield, meaning the bolts have a permanent stretch when torqued properly. If this is the case, they NEED to be replaced.
2) They have a one time use self locking feature on them (painted on patch, etc.). In this case, reusing with a locking compound should be sufficient.

They are one or the other, can't tell as the parts catalog just says one time use. Either way, they are cheap so I just ordered new ones.

Sponsored