When trying to attach my driveshaft to my rear-end the bolts running through the "U" bracket are binding while trying to run through the bolt holes on the rear end. I can get them in by lightly tapping with a hammer, but when I tried to tighten the nuts on those bolts they stripped very easily before the "U" bracket was snug against the drive shaft.

I'm using a replacement kit (never had originals), but it looks like it just needs to be tightened to "stretch" the u-bracket into the right place. Has anyone experienced this also?

Any Ideas?

What kind of rear are we talking about?

10 bolt 2:73. I believe it was the stock one for a 68 Malibu (307).

If they stripped that easily I'd look for new and better ones. Most transmission/axle shops could probably sell you the correct set.

They are a snug fit but you should be able to push the "u" section up tight to the u-joint cup before you ever start to install a nut. You should not have to use the u-bolts' nuts to pull things tight, something isn't right.

Are your u-joint cups fitting snug into the receptical on the yoke? Sounds to me like you might not have the u-joint cups seated completely.

And do NOT overtighten nuts. Just crush the split locks and 'barely' tighten from there. If you overtighten, it can cause vibrations (they say).

The cups seat great, but the bracket will not seat all the way and still allow the bolt holes to line up. I think it's because the bracket is brand new and needs to "stretch". Does anyone have an old set?

It almost sounds like you are describing a "strap" type fastener that "lays" over the cap and then two bolts push through both the strap and yoke to mount. Your yoke should just have a "U-Bolt" style fastener. NO bolts involved just two u-bolts, two split washers, two nuts. There are no "traditional" bolts involved.