Leaf spring U bolt help

[powerstrokin04]

I'm using used leaf spring u bolts for my rear axle swap. The problem is that they are wider than the spring plate holes. I need to compress the bolts so that they will fit. First off I don't have channel locks big enough to compress them. I already tried to compress them in a vice but they sprung back to original size. A 4" ratchet strap didn't work nor did a hammer. And no gas for torch. The axle, springs, plates, and u bolts were used together before. Any thoughts before I buy new ones? Thanks

 

[RenegadeT]

Overbend them in a vice so they spring back to the desired position

 

[jeepinmatt]

How much wider? You want the radius of the curve in the u-bolt to match the axle tube diameter. If they don't fit right, I'd buy the right ones, since they are the only thing keeping the axle attached to the vehicle and the vehicle under control. Also, you want the legs of the u-bolt to be parallel or even slightly spread apart. Just because they were used before doesn't mean they were done correctly

 

[powerstrokin04]

The u bolt fits snug against the axle tube. The legs are wider than the plates. About 3/4". But very stiff. I'm going to try the vice again.

 

[Bogleparsons]

I have used a C clamp to do this before, however it was aggravating as hell.

Can you modify the spring plate a bit?

 

[powerstrokin04]

I placed in a vice again. Then used channel locks off the spring plate to help them in. Thanks everyone!