Rear Bumpstop Bolts

[MJS]

After getting the front & rear bumpstops for my ZJ a few weeks back, I'm trying to get them installed for next weekend's Big Bear Run. However, I am running into problems.
I bought a 5/16 and a 1/4 bolt (since the ones that RE gave me were 1/2" or something...way too big) and were too big & small respectively for the bolt hole. I ended up finding that the 7 mm bolt is the correct size. However, ACE Hardware tells me that they don't carry this bolt in a 3" length that is required for me to install the 2" bumpstop extension.

Question: Does anyone else run into this problem? Is everyone's rear bumpstop bolt hole a 7 mm as well?

It's bad enough that Chryler had to mix metric and standard bolts but to pick a stink'n size that is not readily available is f**k'n ridiculous.

Oh yeah, ACE tells me that I'd probably end up cutting the threads off the 7 mm bolt and welding it to a longer shaft. All this trouble for lameass bumpstops. Very frustrating!!

[Sandy R]

Can't you call RE and ask them to overnite you the correct bolts? I've had pretty cooperative experiences with them in the past. Good luck.

[MJS]

I bought these through papromike and he called RE already. They told him that they only had one type of bumpstop for the ZJ and it was the set they sent me. That's the screwy thing about this whole matter. RE sends me bolts that are almost 2x bigger than what I need so either RE is screwed up or Chrysler is screwed up when they assembled my ZJ.

For some reason I have a U-jointed front driveshaft and a 5.9 rear exhaust hanger. I could only imagine what else is "not normal".

Thanks

[Sandy R]

Well, I would call Orchard Supply Hardware and a number of other local hardware stores, including auto parts' stores. Somebody has to have it. For that matter, I would take it to the local Jeep dealer parts' department and tell them you need a longer bolt to fit your bumpstops.

[MJS]

Yeah, I plan to let the fingers do the walking through the yellow pages tomorrow and see what I could find. DO you remember if you had any problems when replacing your rear bumpstops?
Also Sandy, in your opinion, are bumpstops absolutely required for a 3.5" lifted ZJ with BFG Ko 31 and discos with 9112, 9116 shocks? Thanks

[Sandy R]

Well, like I said in the other bumpstop post, I didn't extend mine until I put the full Tera lift on (3.5" + 1.5" BB + stock isolator). Prior to the Tera setup I ran:
OME(1") + BB(1.5") + stock isolator(.5") = 3" and I did not extend my bumpstops with 31" tires. The whole idea is to keep the tire from stuffing too high to the point where you're risking overstressing a drivetrain component. I did some extreme stuff with my 3" including Rubicon, Moab. I can't believe that .5" more than I had is that different but it's easy for me to say I guess. And BTW, I'd be happy about the ujointed driveshaft for off road and repair purposes.
Good luck!