Hey everyone;

I got my frame back from powder coating last week and began rebuilding the front suspension.

I'm having trouble with the front spring bushings that go into the frame. I got one in no problem; then I went to put the other in (same side), got about half way and the C-clamp needed some leverage to press in... then it broke... so I used a second clamp and that broke... Now, both were cheap ones from HF.

So I ran down to Lowe's and got some real ones; now they aren't breaking but it is taking a lot of force to turn and press it in. It has about 1/4 in sticking out... I stopped for the night thinking I should ask and make sure I'm not missing something obvious?

I'm thinking tomorrow of grabbing a long high grade bolt and some washers and pressing (squeezing) it in that way... thoughts?

Any insight? Thanks in advance!

This is the setup...


Here's the one that went in fine...

 

That's pretty normal, better to be a bit tight than too loose. The long bolt or threaded bar works well. They will deform a bit as they go in so you'll need to ream them out for the pin. Frame looks fantastic by the way.

 

I keep a selection of 12" long grade 8 or9 threaded rod ,washers and nuts along with some precision washers for just such applications .

 

May I add, grease or anti seize the bolt to keep it from galling.