Leaf spring bushing install help

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Oct 23, 2013 | 04:19 PM

kioolt

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From: Bel Air USA

Leaf spring bushing install help

I'm changing the front leaf spring hanger on my 93 F150XLT 2WD. I have run into a stumbling block. I have all of the old pieces removed but I am unable to get the new bushing into the leaf spring eye. The leaf spring and bed are still on the truck. Someone please tell me how to get the bushing into the leaf spring.

Oct 23, 2013 | 04:38 PM

broncoderek

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Did the new bushings come with the grease? Use that and a large C clamp and a wrench (to tighten it) to "press" it in?

Oct 23, 2013 | 05:49 PM

broke vet

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The rubber bushings have three pieces: the inner metal sleeve, the rubber cushion, and the outer metal sleeve. If you have the outer metal sleeve out, the new bushings should be a press fit. You may have to rent a portable bushing press, kluge something up with suitable sockets and a stout bolt to press the new bushings in, or remove the spring(s) from the vehicle and have them pressed at a shop with a hydraulic press.

Oct 23, 2013 | 08:27 PM

badford64

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From: Hebron, Ohio

A ball joint press is a good tool for pressing them in as well

Oct 23, 2013 | 08:46 PM

kioolt

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From: Bel Air USA

I tried using a piece of threaded rod to pull the busing in and I was unable. The bushing measures .023" more that what Moog says the size of the bushing should be. I have a Dorman bushing. I am wondering of it is just actually too big. Tomorrow I may remove the spring from the truck just to make it easier to work on. An auto parts store 14 miles away has the Moog bushing. I may go there to see if it is the size that the Moog site indicates. Thanks for all of the replys and keep them coming. I don't have it installed yet.

Oct 23, 2013 | 10:11 PM

blkF250HD

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From: Hartland, WI

Putting them in the freezer (along with other press-in parts) may help it go in.

Oct 25, 2013 | 05:12 PM

kioolt

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From: Bel Air USA

I bought a Moog bushing today. It measures 1.624" while the Dorman measured 1.7115". I was able to get the bushing in the spring eye by using a 1/2 by 10 inch bolt and two sockets to make a press. I used an impact drive to press it in. I think it would have taken an hydraulic press to get the Dorman bushings in.