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

Leaf spring bushings

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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 02:50 PM
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Leaf spring bushings

My springs on my 56 are a little wobbly. If I replace the brass bushings do I need to replace all of the stell pins also. It seems that the steel pins would last longer than the brass. I know the correct answer is to replace everything but I don't have the money to buy a whole new truck..
 
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 02:55 PM
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The only way to find out is to take it apart
 
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 03:29 PM
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My pins showed some serious wear. You can remove just one and take a look. If one is bad, you probably want to replace them all.
If your springs are wobbly, I would bet your pins are worn.
My first inclination was to keep my original pins. After replacing the rear, I wised up and replaced all the front as well. Keeping your truck on the road safely is important.

That being said, I recall very recently seeing someone clean up their old pins and they looked great.

So, I took all those words to say what John said in just a few.
 
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 03:32 PM
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I would think the will need replacing. If the bushings are bad and it was driven without grease for any length of time then the pins are likely damaged.
 
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 03:32 PM
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The pins are not rusty or grooved or damaged. They appear to be smooth and greased well.
 
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 03:37 PM
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Do you have calipers to check the diameter? Assuming they are round and the correct diameter then there is no reason to replace them!
 
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by armyaviation
The pins are not rusty or grooved or damaged. They appear to be smooth and greased well.

Sounds like you can just replace the bushings
 
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 03:48 PM
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I don't have calipers. I think I am going to try the bushings first
 
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 03:57 PM
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Sounds like a good start! My front leaf springs were SOOO worn that the bushings were not very tight in the springs but the new pins went in perfectly.

On the rear they were less worn and I had to get the reamer for some of the bushings as the pins would not go in.....at least that is what I decided once I had worked up to a 3 lb hammer to get the pin more in....
 
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 07:04 PM
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Any advice on getting the hem out and new going in
 
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Old Jun 14, 2017 | 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by armyaviation
Any advice on getting the hem out and new going in
Here is the place in my thread where I replaced them.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16886130
The Harbor Freight bushing set (I don't think they sell it anymore though.) and a BFH were the key.
For installing them, be sure to put the bushings in the freezer for a while to shrink them up. My threaded rod and washer press worked great for me.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2017 | 02:27 PM
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I just redid front and back when I did my spring changes. I got the complete kit from Mid Fifties. All mine were neglected and the bushings and pins were all severely worn and very sloppy side to side movement. If your lucky, only your bushings are worn so take it apart and inventory must-do to save money. Note: the locking bolts on mine were frozen in place so damage to those removing them had me replace them too. Good Luck!
 
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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 01:37 PM
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I used an airhammer to get them out if you have one available, makes quick work. beats the heck out of drift and a bfh. When replacing pin, deep well socket and the air hammer popped them right in. BUT make sure the slot is in line for the locking bolts, I had a few trial and errors getting them aligned.
 
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