ARP Ford 7.3L Powerstroke Rod Bolt Set | 250-6302 | 1999-2003 Ford Powerstroke 7.3L

Unquestionably the most important fasteners in any engine are the connecting rod bolts, as they hold the key to the entire rotating assembly. A broken bolt will lead to a catastrophic engine failure. As you can imagine, the most critical joint is where the connecting rod halves mate. The rod bolts must support the primary tension loads caused by each cycle of the crankshaft. When the crank rotates, the big end of the connecting rod essentially becomes oval-shaped and the rod bolts bend. As the crankshaft continues to rotate, the rod becomes round again. With alternating tension loads and cyclic bending of the bolts, it is very important to install fasteners that are able to exert a clamping force greater than the load imposed upon the joint.

In addition to utilizing a rod bolt with sufficient strength to withstand the tremendous cyclical strains placed upon it, it is absolutely imperative that the bolts be properly tightened. The preferred method of monitoring the correct amount of tension is through use of a stretch gauge. This is far more accurate than using a torque wrench. Moreover, through subsequently checking the rod bolts length, it is possible to determine if it has been stressed beyond safe limits for reuse and must be replaced.

Features:

• Wave-Loc surface contacts the rod and cap for optimum alignment and reduction of fluctuating stress – which strengthens the rod itself
• Provides snug fit for all OEM connecting rods (interference range of .001″ to .005″), despite wide range of factory rod bolt hole tolerances
• Superior material grain flow because of patented Wave-Loc surface design as compared to knurled bolts that have sharp edges and “built-in” stress risers
• Galling and scoring of the rod is virtually eliminated because there is only smooth contact and absolutely no “digging.”