U-Bolts & Leaf Spring Hardware

Are the leaf springs on your pickup loose, or are the old U-bolts rusty or too short after a lift? In this category we bring together U-bolt kits in several lengths and hardware kits for leaf springs and multi rate spring packs from ICON – for you who are fitting new springs, lifting your vehicle or replacing worn hardware.

What U-bolts and hardware kits do

U-bolts clamp the leaf spring to the axle, while the hardware kits bring together the parts that hold the spring pack in place. The contents depend on the specific kit, so check the product description. At ICON you will find, for example, U-bolt kits for Ford F-250/F-350 in 15 and 17 inches, a Toyota kit in 8.0 inches and hardware kits for multi rate spring packs for Ford Raptor and Toyota Tundra. If you are missing individual parts, you can add nuts and washers.

How to choose the right U-bolt length

Length is crucial, but it has to be considered together with several factors:

• Total height: the thickness of the spring pack, any blocks and the axle determine how long the bolt needs to be.
• Width and shape: the distance between the legs and the shape of the bend must match the axle.
• Thread: diameter and thread length must match the bottom plate and the nuts.
• Vehicle and model year: the kits are divided by model and year, e.g. 1999-2010 and 2011+ for Ford F-250/F-350.

If you switch to a thicker spring pack, the old U-bolts can end up too short, so measure the new setup before you order.

Installation and maintenance

Tighten the U-bolts evenly in a cross pattern to the torque specified by the manufacturer, so the spring pack is pulled down evenly. Check the torque again after the first few drives and regularly after that, especially after off-road driving or heavy loads. Rust and worn threads can weaken the joint, so replace the kit rather than reusing questionable parts. You will find more hardware under fasteners and hardware, and all ICON parts are gathered on the brand page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a U-bolt kit and a leaf spring hardware kit?

The U-bolt kit clamps the spring pack to the axle. The hardware kit typically covers the parts that mount the spring to the chassis, and ICON offers, for example, kits specifically for multi rate spring packs. Contents vary, so check the product description for the individual kit.

Can I reuse my old U-bolts?

This is typically not recommended. U-bolts can stretch when tightened, and the threads may be worn or rusty. If you are replacing springs or lifting your vehicle, new bolts in the correct length are the safe solution.

How do I measure the correct U-bolt length?

Measure the total height of the spring pack, any blocks and the axle, and allow room for the bottom plate, washer and nut. Compare with the stated length of the kit, and always measure on the setup that will actually be installed.

Do suspension modifications need to be inspected?

That depends on the modification and the vehicle. If you only replace worn parts with equivalent ones, different rules apply than for a lift or a new spring pack. Check the requirements for your specific project and part number before you install.