Leaf spring bushings
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
I had a similar experience a couple years ago. Dad and I were doing a brake job on one of his vehicles and the slide pins were frozen in the caliper brackets on one side. Being his typically "frugal" self he wanted to salvage the parts if possible instead of replacing them. So I secured the caliper bracket in the vise and proceeded to heat the bracket to free the pin. I got it just about cherry red and was about to turn the torch off and grab the pin with a channel locks when it shot out of the bracket, flew right between us and all the way across the shop (36') where it left a dent in the drywall. It sounded like a gun had gone off. Dad was white as a sheet. That thing had missed his bellybutton by about 2", lol. Apparently the moisture and grease inside the bracket built up enough pressure behind the rust that sealed the pin in place it made a steam cannon of sorts. Needless to say we heated the next one a little more slowly...
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 1
From: Easton MD
Poly will last longer. They're 2 piece, so that makes them easier to put in. Some have complained that they squeek. I don't think mine squeek but I'm hard of hearing and the truck is loud so maybe they do and I just don't hear it. Not sure about the price on spring bushings but the poly cab mounts were way cheaper than the OEM rubber ones.
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 217
From: North East Ohio
New bushings
I've done a bunch of these, they are not bad at all.
Drill out the rubber bushings, the drill will eventually walk it's way aorund the outer housing cutting it away from the rubber, then around the inner steel bushing cutting awya from rubber there, too. Once that's done hammer the rubber and inner steel out, then sawsall a slit in the outer steel sleeve that's left in place, hammer and screwdriver to get it out.
It is actually that easy, only takes a few minutes per busing.
Good luck.
I've done a bunch of these, they are not bad at all.
Drill out the rubber bushings, the drill will eventually walk it's way aorund the outer housing cutting it away from the rubber, then around the inner steel bushing cutting awya from rubber there, too. Once that's done hammer the rubber and inner steel out, then sawsall a slit in the outer steel sleeve that's left in place, hammer and screwdriver to get it out.
It is actually that easy, only takes a few minutes per busing.
Good luck.
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'96 7.3 F-350 Reg Cab 4x4 - bought new.
'04 6.0 E-350 custom 4x4
'08 6.4 F-550 Reg Cab 6 spd 4x4
'17 6.7 F-250 KR ccsb 4x4
'96 7.3 F-350 Reg Cab 4x4 - bought new.
'04 6.0 E-350 custom 4x4
'08 6.4 F-550 Reg Cab 6 spd 4x4
'17 6.7 F-250 KR ccsb 4x4
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 217
From: North East Ohio
You can't do one hole at a time, you need to drop that whole end of the axle, both sides at the same time. Like do both front eyes, then jack up and bolt in, then drop both back eyes down and do them.
__________________
'96 7.3 F-350 Reg Cab 4x4 - bought new.
'04 6.0 E-350 custom 4x4
'08 6.4 F-550 Reg Cab 6 spd 4x4
'17 6.7 F-250 KR ccsb 4x4
'96 7.3 F-350 Reg Cab 4x4 - bought new.
'04 6.0 E-350 custom 4x4
'08 6.4 F-550 Reg Cab 6 spd 4x4
'17 6.7 F-250 KR ccsb 4x4
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 6
From: College Station, TX
I didn't think about doing it that way. Would it make any difference with a Dana 50?
New User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Leaf Spring Bushings
Leaf spring bushing removal can be accomplished with each of the processes mentioned. I have used versions of each, but have added a slick way to press them out.
Have a friend (or yourself) make an arbor that is machined to the same size as the O.D. of the metal part of the bushing, turn the first 1 1/2" down to the size of the I.D., bore a hole in the opposite end that will accomodate about 1/2" of the end of the screw of your wheel puller.
(This 1/2" will make it easier to hold everything in place as you turn the screw)
Put the bushing in place and screw away. Really saves on the muscle and amazes the mind.
Have a friend (or yourself) make an arbor that is machined to the same size as the O.D. of the metal part of the bushing, turn the first 1 1/2" down to the size of the I.D., bore a hole in the opposite end that will accomodate about 1/2" of the end of the screw of your wheel puller.
(This 1/2" will make it easier to hold everything in place as you turn the screw)
Put the bushing in place and screw away. Really saves on the muscle and amazes the mind.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 777
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Parts
Is this a good mess of parts to get if most of the rubber under the truck is dry rotted/cracked?
Prothane # 6-2027 - Ford F250 Total Poly Bushing Kits 1980-1998
Prothane # 6-2027 - Ford F250 Total Poly Bushing Kits 1980-1998
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