the stock u-bolts are long enough. Ive heard sooo many times not to re-use them, but no one knows why, or they tell you something about their friends uncles mechanics dad said so. Personally, i prefer to use the old ones you don't need to re-torque them 3 times before they stay tight. Have i ever has an issue...no. Of course if there is any damage to them, then you must replace them.

 

I'll be doing a "bastard pack" on mine soon. I plan on re-using either my u-bolts, or the ones I snagged of the '96 Jimmy that gave up its leafs. Maybe it's because I live in Texas, and we never get snow, but I didn't have any trouble getting the old ones off. No PB, no WD-40, no cheater, just a 1/2" drive ratchet, and they came right off. I plan on cleaning them, and chasing the threads on the bolts and nuts, but I don't see a problem with re-using them if they are in good shape and torque properly.

 

I had to grind mine off. I would use new ones