using stainless bolts for suspension?

I'm using these, they advertise that they're stronger than grade 8

---------------------------------------------Originally posted by GMracerI'm using these, they advertise that they're stronger than grade 8---------------------------------------------

 what are you using i dont see anything listed nor even a pic... it could be my computer again but, i would hope not.  i myself dont mind the gold apperence on the zinc plated bolts it gives me reassurance that the bolts are atleast protected with something.  but if you want a good looking finish why not just paint them?  it takes out some of the guess work. and to have them chrome or nickel plated wouldnt cost very much and it would look better than stainless and be surely stronger.  i use alot of small stainless screws with nyloc nuts (i know nothing was said about nyloc nuts) and they like to break EASILY under any pressure.  i myself wouldnt use them on a suspention that may have any load pressures on them.

i only use grade 8 or higher never stainless also stainless is too much money for what you are getting. black oxide bolts rust really easily. you  can get grade 10 and 11 also but alot more money and realisticly over the strength you will ever need look up the tensile and shear strength of a half inch bolt in grade 8 and grade 5  you will see that if you do the math right even grade 5 -1/2 inch is good for like 5 thousand pounds or something. dont quote me on that but around there. so painting grade 8 is the best bet or get all allen bolts the black oxide allens are grade 10 and paintable also.

I'm going to be using 12point ss bolts for my frame... but i had the same problem when i was looking for ss-bolts, and also heard that they were not as strong as a grade-8 bolt (which some are only as strong as a grade 2, but high strenght ss bolt are available and expensive), i have come accross several places that have either grade-8 ss bolts or better. ALLOYBOLTZ.COM has bolt from ARP that are grade-8 stainless, heres the link  http://alloyboltz.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=48_51 i could be wrong, but then again i think i can trust these companies and then wish for the best totallystainless.com also offers grade 8 or higher stainless steel bolts, and i quote "We have an extensive line of high strength stainless as strong or stronger than US grade 8." http://www.totallystainless.com/totallystainless.htm http://www.totallystainless.com/yoursafety.htm it woulnd't hurt to do a little more reasearch, but i hope this helps  

Off of ARP's Website:STAINLESS STEEL: Ideally suited for many automotive and marine applications because stainless is tolerant of heat and virtually impervious

to rust and corrosion. ARP “Stainless 300” is specially alloyed for extra

durability. It’s polished using a proprietary process to produce a beautiful

finish. Tensile strength is typically rated at 170,000 psi. Used in:

Accessory bolts & studs, head studs

Here is a good length displaying yield strength on most common S/S alloys:http://www.onlinemetals.com/stainlessguide.cfm If a website is really legit, they can provide a "birth certificate" for the product to insure it's domestic authenticity.

sorry http://www.mmsacc-stainless.com/html/hi_strength_bolts.htm same as the totally stainless, they carry the same stuff.

The issue with stainless is that it "work hardens." I'm not sure if I would trust ss in an application like a 4-link or shock with out speaking with the tech guys. Dave made a comment about using anti seize on them, that is a must. You will ruin a perfectly good bolt in no time.