U bolt types and sizes table

The Serie, from 1948 to 1984, are equipped with "u bolt", which are used to keep the leaf springs integral with the bridges.
There are 4 for fixing the front axle, and 4 for the rear axle.

There are 2 types of u bolt: semi rounded, and "flattened". The semi rounds are mounted on the rear axle, and on the front axle EXCEPT on the front right side - the one closest to the differential. The flattened model is only intended for the front axle, front right side, right up against the differential. At this point, the shape of the bridge changes because of the differential.

The Serie 1 and Serie 2 / 2A had imperial thread u bolts. With Serie 3, we went to metric. There are therefore, depending on the year, u bolts in 7/16 (11.11mm) and u bolts in 12mm. They are interchangeable, it does not make a difference during assembly. We can therefore decide to mount metric u bolts on Serie 2, and the imperial on Serie 3, this will not pose a problem. This choice depends on respect for the origin or not.

So, 2 forms of u bolt, and imperial or metric.
In addition, there are different lengths of the u bolt. Why? Because the length depends on several factors:
1. The type of leaf spring: a 9 leaf cutter bar will require a shorter u bolt than an 11 leaf cutter bar.
2. Axle type: some front axle, reinforced for military use, or for heavy use (109 One ton) have reinforcements welded to the axle which impact the shape and length of the flattened u bolt.

Finally, a last not insignificant point, which does not help to navigate: there is a lot of confusion with the manufacturers of parts. Some do not respect the original dimensions, or we kept the reference of the imperial u bolt but the part is in metric.

All this is not easy, and to find your way around, we have made a summary table. Before throwing away your old u bolt, remember to measure them, this will help you order.
If you want to mount parabolic springs, this whole problem does not concern you (but at least you have learned something), because the blades are delivered with the adequate u bolts, to be cut to the right length after assembly.

Bernard