Flywheel bolts for 1980 258?

[SaltyNole]

I am ready to my head against a concrete wall.

I have all my new parts ready to install, and the flywheel bolts are holding me up. I have been to multiple parts stores and talked to other online retailers looking for replacement bolts, but have yet to have any luck.

The ones I removed are 1/2"-20 x .750 UHL (under head length) or 1.000" total length. I have found bolts online which at first look seem right, but once ordered, they end up being 1.000" under head length.

I thought about having the longer ones cut down at the machine shop, but am worried that they get cut a little different and could throw the flywheel slightly out of balance. Not sure it would be enough to matter, but I have that concern. I am also worried about the cut end being exposed and rusting.

Therefore, any help on locating the right part is appreciated. I have seen the general information on some of the forums like "hey I got mine here" or "I found some for a Pontiac something that worked", but I have hit dead end after dead end chasing these rabbits.

If someone has a brand and part number for a bolt they know is 1/2"-20 x .750" UHL, please let me know.

I also have seen the posts about some folks using them again, but that is not the answer for me. After replacing nearly everything but the Transfer Case from the engine back, I will not take the risk on reusing the bolts.

Thanks

 

[IOPort51]

did you try the Jeep dealer?

Are these the same bolts as the 4.0??

 

[Torxhead]

I am quite suprised that you can't go to a local auto parts and get the correct flywheel bolts. Since you have good bolts, I would suggest getting them cut down. The ends can be painted if that bothers you and they can be cut to a tight tolerance on the length to say within .005" or even .010" which would be far better than a purchased length.

 

[Bowbender]

If you decide to cut them and balance is a concern, weigh them and grind as needed to get them all the same weight.

 

[SaltyNole]

Well I finally had success and saved my head

I called a different Jeep dealer than the first, and he was sure he had the right bolts.

Even though he was way out of the way, I took off.

The bolts he had were longer than the ones I removed, but not by much and certainly not .25" longer like the others I found. I did a dry run mounting to make sure they were OK, and they were.

Flywheel is on.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

I used my old ones. They were still torqued up after 33 years of service and looked fine to me!
(But I do completely understand your concerns. I hope that $15 decision doesn't make me pull this engine again!)