Has anyone in here ever switched the T bolts on the rear housing to hold springs in place, With actual u-bolts?

Yes I did.
its an easy fix

Yes, probably 90% of the guys have done that mod.

This is a mandatory with the Hotchkis TVS kit. I will be using those Hotchkis U-bolts tonight to hang my 9" posi.

Run at LEAST one "U"-bolt per side only for safety reasons alone if those little "T"-bolt buggers ever to decide to go south on you!!

pdq67

Agree with the above,..and, I'd even go with the 1/2" U-bolts instead of the 7/16's that came with our rigs originally, if you're running much HP.

You'll have to slightly re-route the brake-lines that run to the wheel cylinders, but no big deal.

Good luck!

I have one 7/16ths and one half inch per side. Napa has a great selection. You want 3" inside to inside and I got 8" but you could get away with shorter.