I am not sure if this the correct forum to post a question about a Bronco or not (sorry if it is not)? I am working on a 1979 Bronco and trying to replace the front shocks. The one on the driver's side has me a little puzzled. I removed the shock bolt nut and the two bolts that hold on the lower shock bracket. Should have I removed the whole bracket? The shock is located in front of the axle is this correct? There appears to be a busing or a long shoulder on the lower bolt. If it is a bushing how is it removed from the bolt? I got replacement shocks from the local auto parts store and they also had a metal insert inside the rubber bushing that is the same size as the one on the bolt. Is this shock correct? If the shock is incorrect does anyone no where I can get the correct shock from?

Thanks!

 

You shouldn't have unbolt the whole bracket to get the shock off. Once you have it unbolted, compress it and you should be able to take it out of the holes

 

A pic for reference:


The bottom eyelet bushing sleeve may or may not be used. The thru-bolt should be snug within bushing. If not, I'd be curious about whether ya have the correct OEM hardware.

I like shockwarehouse.com ... competitive prices, fast shipping, and excellent customer service. Their tech line rocks too.

 

Please reference the provided picture. Is the metal sleeve suppose to be part of the bracket or is it from the shock that came off of the vehicle and rusted it self to the bolt? Is the bolt suppose to be part of the bracket or a separate item and has rusted to the bracket?

Tried to link a picture but it isn't working. Any tips?

 

The sleeve is inserted into the bottom eyelet bushing. It may or may not be used on the new shocks. Again, if the sleeve and the mounting bolt are the same diameter, then delete the sleeve and only use the thru-bolt. You do not want any slop between the eyelet bushing and the bolt.

 

Not to complicate the issue but consider poly shock bushings. They are cheap and will not rot on you.