Rear Leaf Bushing
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New User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Atascocita, Tx
Rear Leaf Bushing
So, I have my c codes. I have the bushings. How difficult are these to change out? Looking at a press, but not sure how big a press I’m goin to need to push out the old, and press in the new ones. Anybody tackle this? Looking for some tips.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
With a large ball joint C clamp and an air impact, the two main bushings push right out. You just need very large adapters to "receive" the bushing out the other side. I used a big 3/4" drive 2 1/4" socket...or maybe it was a 2 1/2"...
The shackle bushing is the real bear to get out. You will want to remove it BEFORE you remove the spring eye bushing it is attached to so you can use the spring as leverage to hold it in place. Get a 3/8 or 1/2" drill bit, and drill a bunch of holes in the rubber part of the bushing all the way around it. Once you have weakened the rubber enough, take your C clamp and push out the center pin and what is left of the rubber. You will be left with the outer metal sleeve that encased the rubber. I drove that out with an air chisel, but you could do it with a hammer and punch. It is that outer sleeve that absorbs 80% of the work involved in this job. The two main bushings push right out, because they don't have the outer sleeve.
The shackle bushing is the real bear to get out. You will want to remove it BEFORE you remove the spring eye bushing it is attached to so you can use the spring as leverage to hold it in place. Get a 3/8 or 1/2" drill bit, and drill a bunch of holes in the rubber part of the bushing all the way around it. Once you have weakened the rubber enough, take your C clamp and push out the center pin and what is left of the rubber. You will be left with the outer metal sleeve that encased the rubber. I drove that out with an air chisel, but you could do it with a hammer and punch. It is that outer sleeve that absorbs 80% of the work involved in this job. The two main bushings push right out, because they don't have the outer sleeve.
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 98
Likes: 19
Besides my 01' EX RWD I also have a 00' 1st Gen Tundra, their upper ball joints can be notorious for being very very difficult to get out. The second time I changed them out bought a 12 ton Harbor Freight Press for about a Hundred Bucks (with coupon) and they came out like butter. Sincerely one of the best Hundred dollars I've ever spent. The adapters are what turned out to be expensive. Might not touch that press for two years but when needed it's gold.
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