Since Jeep discontinued the main bearing cap bolts and rod bolts for the 3.8, does anybody know where to get replacements?

 

main caps you can use arp 151-5406 (ford 2.0L zetec) they fit perfectly in two late model 3.8s that I have worked.
Side main bolts I measured and replaced with four grade 10 flange bolts (because I had them), the torque is very low so grade 8 would work easily but I forget the size and depth.
rod bolts, I would have to measure and see if there is a stock replacement. I used different arms+bolts.

 

please excuse me for being cautious. This is my first time doing this.....
So these ARP studs are safe to replace the factory TTY bolts? How many engines have you used them in?
I have found the factory side bolts and rod bolts, so im only looking to replace the main cap bolts at this point.
Did you torque those studs to the ARP specs or the original mopar specs?

 

ARP studs and fasters are used in 1000HP drag engines. They are some of the best stuff out there.

 

you are correct but the stock rod TTY bolts are torqued to 30 ft lbs + 30 degrees. The ARP studs require 80 ft lbs in their head bolt applications. So im confused as to what to torque them to.

 

ARP should be able to tell you torque ratings.

 

This is correct, if using ARP parts torque them to the ARP recommended values, the Jeep values no longer apply.

 

I came across your post. I have the exact same issue you had with the main cap bolts not being available. Did you end up using the ARP 151-5406 studs? How did they fit? I'm not at a place to replace the entire engine at this point so just looking for feedback from anyone that has used these ARP bolts.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

I ended up reusing the stock bolts. I read that if the bolts aren't showing signs of stretching, it is possible to re use them. I did find a few new ones online (ebay) then I simply compared measurements between new and old and they were the exact same. Ive talked with a few mechanics that are friends of mine along with the machine shop that did my machine work and they agree.

 

I did end up finding a brand new set of stock main caps bolts through Mopar Canada. Office is based out of Edmonton. They apparently had the old part numbers on their site but had lots of those bolts. ARP studs were about $70 cheaper but would have required machining and I wasn’t pulling the engine. The part number for the main cap bolts are 06503201 if that’s something you might be able to use in the future.