Took the beast in fer a alignment today .mechanic said both spring bushings on front passenger side are gone and the one on the driver side front rear is gone as well.has anyone ever had to change these? He said to take it to a different shop because he won't do leaf springs anymore cause of all the pressure. Am I wrong thinkin he's a dink? I'm pretty sure I can do it in the garage at home.any guidance here would be appreciated greatly.my x is a 2000 limited 4x4 v-10.

 

UThe difficulty factor is going to depend on the condition of the bushing and the equipment you have available.

The bushings when stil seated in the spring eye as ford intended can be a major PITA to remove, a 40 ton H frame press is the easiest, air chisel would be my second choice, if all you have is a drill and sledge hammer that would be a bummer.

Your going to also want a good 3 ton Jack and Jack stands, 1/2" impact gun or breaker bar and. And an assortment wrenches, sockets and cuss words.

Dont forget to order new U bolts when you order the new bushings.

Edit..... Forgot to Add a torque wrench capable of

Torque specs
Wheels 165 ft/lb

Front spring to axle u bolts - 100 lb/ft
Front spring to spring hanger nut - 200 lb/ft
Front spring to shackle nut - 185 lb/ft
Front shackle to frame nut - 185 lb/ft



Rear.....
Leaf spring to axle u-bolts - 185 lb/ft
Leaf spring to front spring hanger bracket - 185 lb/ft
Leaf sprint to rear shackle - 185 lb/ft
Rear shackle to frame - 185 lb/ft

 

He's a dink!! Power tools are highly recommended. It is labor intensive and depending on your setup could take awhile. Replace u-bolts, I got new ones from ATS for 50.00 shipped to the door. Local shop wants 200 to swap them so I am going to have them do it next week. I am replacing with energy suspension polyurethane bushings.

 

If you end up doing it in your garage are you going to be taking the actual leaf springs off the vehicle or attempting to do it while they are still on?

Bushings can definitely be a real PITA. If you don't have the correct tools it may be a tad harder to do but definitely do-able. There real annoying part is the outside sleeve that loves to get seized within the spring eye itself.

Are you looking to replace with a replacement type or poly type?

 

Looks like I'm doing it myself fer sure. Called around today and they all quoted me 800.00 to 900.00 just to change them.lol.no thanks.I like my o-ring regular size.ill be replacing them with poly.still looking fer the u bolts and eyelet bolts though.and place to get them?

 

If you have original springs, and they are sagging why don't you buy new ones? They should ride better.

 

Good lord. That is extremely high.

If you need the Ubolts, bolts or even springs feel free to send me a message!

 

Yes its very high.I do need the bolts and u bolts ats.I sent you a message earlier. And no not original springs.it got a 4 inch lift.

 

+1 for ATS meeting your needs. I ordered and received my u-bolts within a weeks time of discussing and ordering! Good guy to deal with.

 

can anyone share personal experience using poly leaf bushings on an Ex? I mean what does it translate to in day-to-day driving? They must be stiffer than factory rubber, does that mean pavement lines, cracks and tiny bumps will be felt more while driving? Just curious. I have to do rear springs but have lots of time to get all my parts together.

 

I have poly's in the back, but have always ran them in my trucks. I don't think it a noticeable difference at all. Not like we are driving Cadillacs! Poly's going in the front on Thursday.

 

Ats.I sent you a message about the u bolt length.

 

Well I got the bushings and u bolts.in the mail yesterday and today.thanks again ats junior.quick service from ats.ill be changing out the bushings this weekend.the kit came with shackel bushings to.guess I might as well replace them to.

 

 

Just buy a set of springs from Junior here

Done deal!