User's Manual
53
Date of Origin – 02/01/08
AXLE CLAMP GROUP AND SPRINGS -
1. Check the torque on the U-bolt nuts by alternately tightening opposing corners of the clamp
assembly.
See Figure 1.
a. When using 7/8” - 14 U-bolts, the nuts should be torqued to a dry level of 470 lb-ft.
b. When using 3/4” - 16 U-bolts, the nuts should be torqued to a dry level of 420 lb-ft.
SPRING SUSPENSION MAINTENANCE
After 500 miles or not later than 30 days after purchase, carefully check all fastener torques on
the spring suspension and make any adjustments necessary.
Components New Oiled Torque Clean Dry Torque
1 1/8-7 Rocker Bolt 590 ft. lbs. 790 ft. lbs.
1-14 Radius Rod Bolts 540 ft. lbs. 720 ft. lbs.
¾-16 U-Bolts 310 ft. lbs. 420 ft. lbs.
5/8-18 Radius Rod Clamp Bolt 130 ft. lbs. 170 ft. lbs.
5/8-18 Spring Retainer Bolts 35 ft. lbs. 50 ft. lbs.
The axle alignment should be checked and corrected if necessary after this initial break in period.
Check all suspension bolts no less than every 4 months. They should be tightened to the above
torque specifications. (Remember lubricants or sealants on the threads reduce torque reading
and paint, corrosion, or road debris on the threads increase readings). Check for and replace
worn bushings in the equalizer and in the torque arm eye ends. Use a good rubber lubricant on
bushings before installation to prevent damage during installation. Be sure radius rod bolts are
tightened back to 540 ft. lbs. (oiled) after replacing any torque arm bushings, and tighten equalizer
rocker bolts back to 590 ft. lbs. (oiled) after replacing equalizer bushings. Check the equalizers to
see that there is no obstruction to their movement during operation. If equalizer movement is
restricted by an obstruction, the axle “walk” will not be sufficient and damage could result.
RADIUS RODS -
2a. The 1” - 14 radius rod attachment bolts at the hangers
and spring seats should be tightened to a dry level of
720 lb-ft. of torque on both the adjustable and non-adjustable
radius rods. See Figure 2.
Always carefully inspect the spring and axle
clampcomponents for any signs of wear or
cracks, andreplace if visible wear or cracks
are present.