Rear axle U-bolts - are round ones ok?

[edbods]

Factory U-bolts on my 8 3/4" axle have a flat section, presumably to reduce the chance of crushing the tube, but is that essential or will regular generic U-bolts work fine? Need to replace mine with 55+ years of rust on them. Also is the factory length 7 inch?

 

[Owen11x]

Round is all I've ever used with no issue and length is dependent on vehicle and how many leaf springs your car has

 

[edbods]

Sweet, thanks. Everything's stock so I'll scrounge up some generic ones at a local shop; want to get it done sooner rather than later.

 

[Owen11x]

Here in the states I just buy them from O'Reilly's auto parts and they have never caused an issue. But broken rusted ones at 55mph now that would cause major damage to you, your car and any other vehicle around you. Always better safe than sorry. And I do believe 7" is probably correct.

 

[Big_John]

Round is fine. I think that's all I've ever used for replacements.

 

[edbods]

Thanks again, just ordered four of them from an interstate shop, will hopefully arrive some time next week.