I'm getting ready to start setting up the new gears for my Dana. One thing I'm unsure about though is whether or not it's necessary to replace the ring gear bolts with new ones or if I can reuse the original set. A new set of bolts doesn't cost that much but I hate to waste the money if I don't need to. I can't imagine everybody replaces them when swapping gears. Should I just check the stretch and if they torque up never look back? Thoughts?

I just look at them to check for sharp threads or galling under the head. The stock Dana bolts are really nice. Remember to put a dab of ARP lube under the bolt head when installing
Gus

Dana/Spicer factory bolts are grade 8+ and considerably strong, don't waste money if they're not damaged, BUT... carefully inspect them for thread damage and elongation which you can easily do with the human/naked eye. If they LOOK good, they probably are.

Didn't replace them on my rear, didn't end well. Sheared all the bolts off on launch.

Was that on a Dana? If so, were you running a spacer ring? Had they been torqued several times? Did you use Loctite?

Brad,

Ouch! That didn't look good. How is everything?

That was last year right before the yellowbullet nats, gave me something to do the week before going there. Cars still apart from wheelie at norwalk.

I'll inspect them tomorrow, if they look good I'll give them a go. I've got two sets so here's hoping. FWIW, a differential shop here in town told me that very rarely do Dana 60's require new bolts. He too said they are very good bolts as was mentioned already. Anyhow, Thanks for the input guys.

I always buy new bolts. Just buy new bolts, they are not that expensive, price of mind.

I have had the stock Dana bolts loosen up and actually fall out. The bolts were torqued properly . From then on I used loctite blue. No problems after that.

Today, you may not even get new bolts that are as good as the old bolts if your old bolts are in good condition. Nowadays, new is not always better. Thread lock is a very good idea.

For the headache of worrying about them just purchase new stuff from ARP..Im sure you could find even stronger than original from local industrial nut n bolt suppliers..