Trimming down u bolts...

[Fishnbeer]

When you install new u bolts and have to cut them down, how much thread do you leave above the top of the nuts? You still need enough so you can re-install them, but not too much.

So whats a good length? 1/2"? 1"?

 

[CDA 455 II]

/
I have about an inch or so above the bolts.

 

[Clb]

If you want to add some leaves later you should leave that much extra.
If not there seems no reason to leave any extra to crud up and gall.

 

[Etyler2]

Mine are flush and marked with paint pen.

 

[Fishnbeer]

I figured I may need to slip in an add a leaf later so I left an inch extra from top of the nut. First tried with reciprocating saw. Torched 2 blades then went for angle grinder with cut off wheel. Much faster.

do you guys tighten them in any specific sequence? And do you torque them to a certain ft/lb or just crank them down with the hand of god?

I got 5/8 u bolts from ruff stuff that are pretty snug but I figure after I put a few miles on it I will have to go back and re torque them

 

[Aisin]

Tighten them opposing corners. Grade 8 5/8s ubolts get torqued to a max of 132 ft lbs.

 

[Wulf]

1/4 to 1/2 in exposed thread should be plenty

 

[RPS1030]

I figured I may need to slip in an add a leaf later so I left an inch extra from top of the nut. First tried with reciprocating saw. Torched 2 blades then went for angle grinder with cut off wheel. Much faster.

Yup, angle grinder has been my go to on u-bolts for sure. Run the nut down, cut it off with a thin blade, bevel the edges with a flap disc or similar, then run the nut back off to catch any burrs.

 

[Lilyota]

I usually leave the height of the nut sticking out above the nut.