Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 8:30 am
The star heads are likely Torx. The sockets are readily available at jobber parts places like Lordco. Drive your truck there so you can test fit which one you need, or you'll be buying the whole set cuz it's not as easy to tell them apart as a regular 1/2 inch or 9/16 inch bolt head. Also, most of the jobbers sell a hollow point and a solid point torx set. Don't get the hollow point unless you have a bolt that actually requires it as these are much weaker and subject to breaking.
After sandblasting the bush bar, check out powder coating as it is much tougher than paint.
I don't know whether I'd change all my bolts to Stainless. I find that when I use a grade 5 stainless vs. a grade 5 nickel plated bolt, the stainless seems to be weaker and won't hold as much torque at a much higher price. I do, however, have a "policy" when repairing my own truck -- every bolt I remove is replaced by a brand new nickel plated bolt, every time. This doesn't cost much and keeps them pretty clean for the next removal.
Dave
After sandblasting the bush bar, check out powder coating as it is much tougher than paint.
I don't know whether I'd change all my bolts to Stainless. I find that when I use a grade 5 stainless vs. a grade 5 nickel plated bolt, the stainless seems to be weaker and won't hold as much torque at a much higher price. I do, however, have a "policy" when repairing my own truck -- every bolt I remove is replaced by a brand new nickel plated bolt, every time. This doesn't cost much and keeps them pretty clean for the next removal.
Dave