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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

front spring replacement

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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 09:03 AM
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front spring replacement

you've seen it before, the worn spring bushings and shackle bars. i have never done any maintenance (other than grease) on my front springs. pass side bump missing. springs pretty much flat out, even a rub of my tie rod on the oil pan in some cornering. ordered all new except frame mounting brackets. all in except had to temp put old outside shackle bars back in to move the truck. outside bars seem to be on back order several places. tried another vendor this AM, will do follow up call tomorrow. all bushings worn and thin. one long upper pic actually bent. shackle bars egged out. we had trouble pressing the old bushings out of the frame bracket, so we sliced them with a hacksaw and they came out easy. here's a couple of my pins. i actually thought it handled pretty good before, can't wait to try it out again when snow/salt are gone. nice update for the flatrod II.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 09:30 AM
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You're bound to see some improvement . With that kind of wear the whole suspension unit will be bouncing around independently .
 
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 10:05 AM
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It's amazing how long these old parts would do their jobs. Think you 'caught" it just in time.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 10:51 AM
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You'll definatley see some improvement.

After you press the new bushings in place, either in the spring, the shackle or the bracket on the truck, take a minute and trial fit the pin in the bushing. When I did my truck I had one or two bushing that were too snug to accept the pin and required a light touch of a file to make it all work. Which would have been a lot easier witht eh spring on the bench, etc.

Good luck
Bobby
 
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 11:16 AM
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Is there a tool for installing the bushing in the front spring bracket?
 
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 11:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Branded
Is there a tool for installing the bushing in the front spring bracket?
I think I used a oversized socket and a U-joint press (a big C clamp). While you're down there check the other parts like king pins, tie rod ends and drag link, both front and back ball and socket connects.

I replaced everything in the front end, man, that made a BIG difference!
 
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 12:05 PM
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my springs (from LMC) came with spring eye bushings installed. they have a nice little channel for the grease to get distributed from the center grease hole to the rest of the bushing. we did need to massage one frame bushing to get the pin in. overall, nice update pending getting the new outer shackle bar.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Branded
Is there a tool for installing the bushing in the front spring bracket?
Like Bob said, and over sized socket and a big "C" clamp seems to do the trick. Sometimes they will go in pretty easy and only require a few light taps with a hammer....other ones will need the "C" clamp

They aren't too bad

Bobby
 
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 03:01 PM
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Thanks I'm replacing everything including converting to Toyota steering box and power disc brakes. New shackle bars, pins, springs, king pins etc. Might be sending the axle to Sid to be dropped. I won't know until I get the shackle bars, ordered them from Mid Fifty should have them by Tuesday. Someone had installed a set of home made shackle bars to lower the ride height.
 
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