Axle pivot bushing recomendation

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Dec 11, 2013 | 01:04 PM

ludafisk

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From: Reno, NV

Axle pivot bushing recomendation

So I searched and did some reading. Now wondering what bushings to go with. Originally I wanted to go with Energy Suspension poly bushings, but they say I have to re-use the metal sleeve.

I guess I can do poly by cutting/burning out the rubber. Or just buy standard rubber bushings and press the whole thing out.

Anyone have experience +/- with going either route?

FWIW, I'll be doing poly radius arm bushings at the same time. Maybe sway bar too since everything will be apart. Truck is an 83 F250 2wd

Dec 11, 2013 | 03:32 PM

Grubbworm

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From: Acworth, GA

I re-used all of the metal pieces that I could when I did mine. If you have a few bucks you could always buy a set of rubber ones that come with new metal pieces from somewhere like auto-zone. Then you could use the metal pieces with your new Poly bushings and give away or sell the rubber bushings.

Dec 11, 2013 | 04:55 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

If you decide to replace the whole thing, I will tell you it's not that easy to do. It's easy enough to drive the old ones out, but getting the new ones started and pushed in is almost impossible with a hammer. I ended up using a large piece of all-thread with large washers and sleeves from my balljoint press to squeeze them into the arm by tightening the nuts on the all-thread.

Dec 11, 2013 | 10:30 PM

Stangrcr1

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From: Marysville, WA

I put the Energy Suspension bushings in mine. Easy. Take a drill and get most of the rubber out. Then take a propane torch and burn out the rest. Let it cool, wirebrush it clean, coat the sleeve with lithium grease, push the bushing in, and reinstall the pivot bolt. Done.

Dec 11, 2013 | 11:38 PM

brake4beaver

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Joined: Nov 2013

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From: Cle elum, Wa

The kit I got from energy suspension part #4.3133G included new sleeves. My truck is an 83 F-250 too, but 4x4.

Dec 12, 2013 | 09:27 AM

Grubbworm

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2010

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From: Acworth, GA

I did mine myself in my backyard. I thought about farming them out. Almost every shop that I called asked me what axle pivot bushings were. The only shop that actually knew what they were and how to service them wanted $150 per bushing, and there are two. I figured I could use the $300 more than they could. I made a tool like the one I saw in a link here, that went to another website. I also have some pictures here;
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/97...ild-log-6.html
I also fabricated a tool for the job. Here are some links that might help.
1984 Ford Bronco axle pivot bushing tool pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net
axle pivot bushings-removal tool - FSB Forums
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/65...f-250-4x4.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/48...oval-tool.html
I hope this helps you out.

Dec 12, 2013 | 03:27 PM

ludafisk

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Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 40

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From: Reno, NV

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grubbworm

I think I've read this before.

Good info.

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Dec 12, 2013 | 05:48 PM

JPalmer81

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 258

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From: Arkansas

Good luck with this, i just did mine recently, and it was a huge PITA! Hope it is better for you.

Dec 12, 2013 | 06:09 PM

#10

OldBlue83

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 65

Likes: 1

From: Vancouver, BC, Canada

The first time I tried doing this I used the Moog rubber bushings. It was a huge pita to get lined up and driven in while laying under the truck and swinging a hammer with one hand and juggling the bushing and drive-in tool of some kind in the other.
Then I did it with the Energy Suspension poly bushing. Wow, that was big difference in part quality and effort required to put it in. It lined up easily because of the way it's tapered, then it was a snap to drive in. Made a big improvement in ride quality afterwards.