this may be a really stupid question, but since i don't know the answer, i'll ask it anyway. i want to take my after market traction bars off and reinstall the factory shock plate. can i use 4 U bolts without T bolts, or are the T bolts required? htanks in advance. mike P.S. 68 SS with 12 bolt and multileaf springs.

Yes, in fact it's advised. The u-bolts will be more secure than strictly t-bolts.
Just watch the brake lines as you're installing them and you'll be all set.

thank you Joe.

yeah i second joe the t-bolts always scared me they just dont seem that strong. i upgraded to 4 u bolts when i installed the hotchkis springs and feel alot better about it. some ubolts u buy. including the hotchkis kit will make u drill out the shock plate b/c the u bolts are thicker. and will not slide throuhg the plate. like joe said be careful of brake lines and youll be fine.. also you will ave more peace of mind if you have a hi per. motor and like doing burnouts liek i do and you will know that those u bolts arent going anywhere

Go with the U-bolts, and as already make sure the brake line doesn't get pinched under the U-bolts. Also you will probably need to drill out the shock plates.(unless you use 7/16" U-bolts) The spring perches where probably already drilled out but not the spring perches.

thanks Bryan. 447 horsepower at the flywheel and 454 ft.lbs. of torque. burnouts required!! mike

I wonder why GM chose to use T-bolts with U-bolts together?

And, I don't buy it was because of price.

It took GM awhile to figure out the two u-bolts are better than one. I feel sorry for the poor fellow who lost his rearend in the meantime.