Best modifications under $50
01-15-2013, 08:30 AM
#611
Senior Member
weeellll... those look like quality u-bolts, fine thread, thick washers that won't deflect like normal ones would, and taller nuts (specific for u-bolts) I certainly wouldn't say they are completely wrong. I just think if you could get grade 8, it would be one less thing to worry about.
here is an example of a grade 8 u-bolt setup, little too large for this application, but it shows they are out there.
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/.../UBLT-FLT.html
I am not sure what diameter the bolt holes are on the tow hoops, if 1/2" is it, then obviously that's enough to work on the front... but if they are larger, why not go with the same sized u-bolt?
Once you have a proper sized u-bolt, grade 8 fine thread, taller nuts, thick washers... the only thing left is to get a good thick plate to sandwich everything together with. 3/8" would be great, certainly no problem going thicker even. The benefit of 3/8" minimum is that you can torque those bolts down and not have to worry about the tow hoops, or the plate deflecting and allowing the bolts to loosen over time... even still something to check as part of your maintenance just to be sure.
here is an example of a grade 8 u-bolt setup, little too large for this application, but it shows they are out there.
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/.../UBLT-FLT.html
I am not sure what diameter the bolt holes are on the tow hoops, if 1/2" is it, then obviously that's enough to work on the front... but if they are larger, why not go with the same sized u-bolt?
Once you have a proper sized u-bolt, grade 8 fine thread, taller nuts, thick washers... the only thing left is to get a good thick plate to sandwich everything together with. 3/8" would be great, certainly no problem going thicker even. The benefit of 3/8" minimum is that you can torque those bolts down and not have to worry about the tow hoops, or the plate deflecting and allowing the bolts to loosen over time... even still something to check as part of your maintenance just to be sure.
The following users liked this post:
stagalv (01-15-2013)
01-16-2013, 08:26 AM
#614
Senior Member
I just went through all the posts in this thread, and while many are really simple, cheap, ingenious and handy... the above mod, carried out with the parts listed above SHOULD NOT be replicated. It is NOT safe.
Grade 5 anything is not meant for that type of use, and before anyone says "my 12,000lbs winch is held on by 4 grade 5 bolts" it's not the bolts that are holding the winch there, it's the friction those bolts are causing between the winch and the winch plate that are holding it there.
a grade 5 u-bolt is a ticking time bomb if you use it to tow/tug/pull, and worst case scenario it becomes a projectile if you're "snatching" someone.
there was a post soon after talking about grade 8 bolts, and a much thicker plate to sandwich the hitch & tow hooks, this at a minimum would be a better design.
A 1/2" plate with holes matching the tow loops, and 9/16" bolts or larger (whatever size the hoops accept) would work well, and is still cheap and simple.
I'm sorry, I'm new here, and I don't mean to hijack the thread.
Most of my time is spent on offroad forums, I build most all my own stuff. Experience, common sense... also mine and others mistakes have taught me that this MOD can be done properly, but as shown... it is not.
Grade 5 anything is not meant for that type of use, and before anyone says "my 12,000lbs winch is held on by 4 grade 5 bolts" it's not the bolts that are holding the winch there, it's the friction those bolts are causing between the winch and the winch plate that are holding it there.
a grade 5 u-bolt is a ticking time bomb if you use it to tow/tug/pull, and worst case scenario it becomes a projectile if you're "snatching" someone.
there was a post soon after talking about grade 8 bolts, and a much thicker plate to sandwich the hitch & tow hooks, this at a minimum would be a better design.
A 1/2" plate with holes matching the tow loops, and 9/16" bolts or larger (whatever size the hoops accept) would work well, and is still cheap and simple.
I'm sorry, I'm new here, and I don't mean to hijack the thread.
Most of my time is spent on offroad forums, I build most all my own stuff. Experience, common sense... also mine and others mistakes have taught me that this MOD can be done properly, but as shown... it is not.
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01-20-2013, 10:06 AM
#618
Ahahahahahaha!!!
One of the best posts I've seen
01-20-2013, 10:29 AM
#620
Confused Member
