Flipping LCA/Strut Bolts for Protection....

[Gamecock]

In this video, when the guy puts the bolts back on the shock that run through the LCA, he puts the nut on top, instead of the bottom (flipped from stock)...which would seemingly be much better protected and minimize the chance of shearing one off or destroying the threads. That seems like something that should be done day one before it sees any rocks....pretty simple, but is there any problem with that? He's putting them back on right after the 5 minute mark...he may have just inadvertently flipped them, but is that a problem?

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[Will2497]

Great video, and nice catch regarding the bolts running backwards, surprised he didn't mention it in the video

 

[BottleShark]

Would like to know if anyone has done this with strut bolts and how it worked out.

 

[eskimoquin]

I've been wondering the same since I first saw the underside. It seems like such a bad idea to have those exposed threads hanging out below the LCAs. You'll not only damage them but you'll catch on them.

 

[flip]

Clamping force is clamping force, bolt direction doesn't matter in this case with the exception of ease of install for the factory. Probably saves them 20-30 seconds a vehicle having them pre installed in that direction compared to feeding bolts though holes, trying to get it aligned and installing the nuts. Don't believe they have to put a socket on both sides, just the torque device for bottom nuts.

 

[JohnnyBronco]

If a nut broke or came loose or disappeared I would want the bolt head on top otherwise you lose the bolt as well as the nut. But in my years of working on tractors I several times came across assembly instruction s where the bolt was required to be inserted from bottom and not because of clearance or exposure

 

[mikec426]

If a nut broke or came loose or disappeared I would want the bolt head on top otherwise you lose the bolt as well as the nut.

Hmmm... safety wire it somehow? Only way I can think of is around the LCA itself. (I think... I'll have to stick my head under there to see if what I'm thinking is possible). You'd definitely have to check it periodically to see if you'd snagged the wired while off-roading and snapped it off.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

I did the same thing but bought new better grade bolt s with a smaller head too and installed the nut on the top side. Definitely an improvement.

 

[honorableh]

I did the same thing but bought new better grade bolt s with a smaller head too and installed the nut on the top side. Definitely an improvement.

Do you have a part number or bolt dimensions?
Eager to do this mod as I've definitely hit my control arms on rocks and don't want to cause any serious damage on the bolts or bolt threads.

 

[tobyw]

I used 1/2" x 3" Gr8 hardware when I did mine:

 

[BigHoof]

Great mod! I think the chances of a bolt falling out are slim to none if properly installed and torqued.

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

These would be nice to have too (although they sure are proud of them...)
https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-6000-sw-496.htm

 

[Ramble_Offroad]

If flipped how’s the clearance on the bolt end / nut to CV boot?

I had a sneaky situation with my old Tacoma where the LCA skid/armor bolt could contact the CV boot with full travel cycle. Took me forever to figure out why I was burning through boots.

 

[Sewie]

These would be nice to have too (although they sure are proud of them...)
https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-6000-sw-496.htm

There are less expensive options.

https://barnes4wd.com/products/1-2-...15256&pr_ref_pid=7586989375704&pr_seq=uniform

 

[sfonteno]

If a nut broke or came loose or disappeared I would want the bolt head on top otherwise you lose the bolt as well as the nut. But in my years of working on tractors I several times came across assembly instruction s where the bolt was required to be inserted from bottom and not because of clearance or exposure

If you shear/break that nut you have bigger problems then the bolt falling out lol.

I flipped mine with higher strength bolts when I put in leveling spacers. I am glad I did as those bolts would catch easily imo.

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