[chris vickery]

OK, here is the result; I had 4 new U bolts made at 2-3/4" inside measurement.
The plates that I bought NOS work. I did need to squeeze the u bolt slightly to get them through the holes, but I was able to do this by had with very little squeeze. The axle is now in place and ready to go.
For bearing pressing, I fully reccommend going to use a shop that specializes in this type of thing. My friend runs a large shop that rebuilds heavy truck transmissions and differentials so it was easy. Even their shop press worked to seat everything, a do it yourselfer at home would be shafted, so to speak.
I am happy with my CDN3 and dismiss all the nay-sayers out there. I can see the advantages of the upgrades. Really, the parts are out there if you look. Afterall, I have worked on a lot tougher vehs than this to find parts for and somehow I did that. I think these jeeps are a little gem, and, if no one else out there likes them good for me!
My 3 is almost ready for a safety now, just a couple brakes lines and some tweaking.
I have done:
front springs incl new u bolts, plates, shackles and hardware, NOS shocks
rear springs incl new u bolts, plates, shackles and hardware, shocks
new rubber axle snubbers all around
new tie rod ends
I rebuilt drag link ass'y
I rebuilt bellcrank
new brakes, all around incl new shoes, wheel cylinders, flex lines and steel line
rebuilt master cylinder
fully overhauled rear differential
Plus, added all the missing do-dads, radio gear, made a wire cutter etc etc