So as I go through the under body and steering/ suspension re-furb bringing my dog back to stock, I see there are different replacement bolt needs:
replacing bolts/ nuyts with new OEM ones;
replacing with bolts/ nuts with hardware store bolts;
cleaning up/ refurb old bolts.
Each approach has its plus/ minus such as OEM ridiculous cost but always to spec; hardware store is questionable quality but easily matched; cleaning up used bolts is hard to beat as long as they are not damaged.
Trust me, I do all these, but I wonder what other folk do:
Where do you get OEM? (I have used Mopar Overstock)
what do you use from hardware store? what dont you use?
Whats your favorite clean-up process?
I use a bench grinder with a wire wheel to clean up. Most of the replacements I buy come from the local dealer. I don't like the hardware store stuff, they never seem to fit right.
If you have a Ace Hardware (and if they are like my 3 local ones...), their bolt aisle won't be matched by ANY big box store and very few one offs/independents. Metric / 8.8 / 10.9s / different threads, it don't matter.
I guess I don't really know what grade the bolts are at the local hardware store, but I do buy most of my bolts there since they have an okay assortment of metric, and some automotive flanged head bolts, and body fasteners.
I wish they sold shoulder bolts, but I understand there is not much of a demand.
I paid $6.50 ea (with shipping included) for (4) Mopar shoulder bolts. The clowns on ebay ARE axing $16 apiece (FREE shipping!)
When I am working on my Wrangler, I'll try to replace the bolts - in a rusty area - with stainless bolts. When I get to my rear shock, I'll for sure use stainless steel on those 2 top bolts.
When I am working on my Wrangler, I'll try to replace the bolts - in a rusty area - with stainless bolts. When I get to my rear shock, I'll for sure use stainless steel on those 2 top bolts.
That might not be as smart a move as you think. Thanks to galvanic activity, stainless steel fasteners can cause far more problems than they solve. I will take a cadmium-plated steel fastener over stainless steel for most applications.
I also use Ace or True Value. Found majority of my bolts with washers and spacers if needed. In my town a lot of people drive Jeeps, and are more than willing to give you what you need and come with you as they look at the Jeep to ensure correctness.
It is going to be a looong political season- I guess I'll just have to spend my time listening to rock n roll while working on my jeep, or be out where wheeling takes me
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ask a question
Ask a question
Jeep Wrangler Forum
9M posts
468K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Jeep Wrangler owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, trail riding, gear, suspension, tires, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, for all JL, JT, JK, TJ, YJ, and CJ models!