As Steve has pointed out stainless steel does
not mean hardened. A true grade 8 washer
actually has tapered sides. As the washer
is compressed the sides straighten out. These
are not the 5 cent washer you find at your
local auto parts.
Trot down to you local CAT dealer and get some
true grade 8 bolts and washers. All are oil phosphate
treated (very important here in the land of road salt)
and feature rolled threads and are AMERICAN made.
Forget Dorman, etc. These bolts are all foreign made
and may or may not meet industry standards.
The little raised area under the bolt heads match the
washer holes perfectly forming a prefect fit union and
preventing the washer from moving around under the
bolt head. The washers are available in many thickness.
Cost is not that much more.
You're only doing this once so don't go the cheap and
easy way.
Dave Johnson
|