I-Beam Suspension
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I-Beam Suspension
I took my 1996 F-150 2WD to a local dealer for inspection. They told me that I need a new bushing for the right hand I-beam suspension bar(where the suspension pivots). However, they said that I have to buy an entire I-beam suspension bar because the bushings don't come separate. Is this true...or is this dealer just looking for a 6 hour job instead of a 1-2 hour job? Please let me know. My email is saxsellers(No Email Addresses In Posts!). Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
I-Beam Suspension
If you mean the axle pivot bushing, then your dealer is blowing smoke because you can buy them. They're about 20 bucks for a set of 2 (one for drivers side pivot and one for passengers). I got Energy Suspension Polyurethanes ones, but any should work.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I-Beam Suspension
I'm sure it's the axle pivot bushing. It's the end of the I-beam away from the wheel (i.e.--where the axle pivots!). I thought they probably were giving me a line, considering the Hayne's Manual shows exactly how to replace it. I think they were looking for a 6 hour job by ripping the entire right side off to replace the I-beam, instead of a 1 - 2 hour job of replacing the bushing. I also checked with the dealer where I bought the truck and he didn't see it in the picture, but was going to look up the part and replace it. Thanks for your help.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 4
I-Beam Suspension
The thing is those bushings have to be pressed in . There is a tool designed to do this . Their parts application info may have stated that the bushing is not serviceable . Its odd that your truck only being 5 yrs old has to have the axle pivot bushings replaced . Do you live in a climate with lots of road salt ?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I-Beam Suspension
The truck has been driven in Central and Northern Indiana, and there's been a good bit of snow the past couple of winters, so salt was put down on the road. I am pretty disappointed about it, considering only has 75,000 miles on it. But it's good to know that this Ford dealership where I currently live is feeding me a line of bull, and I don't actually need a new I-beam. I actually called the dealer where the truck was originally bought and they said that it was available as well. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 780
Likes: 1
I-Beam Suspension
The driveway trick to replacing that bushing is to heat the original bushing with a cheapo propane torch; not all that hot, either; definitely not red hot or otherwise hot enough to affect the I-beam temper--just hot enough to make the bushing rubber smoke a little, breaking the rubber/metal bond.
Whack that bushing out with something the proper diameter, then go back with urethane pivot pushings.
6 hours? I don't think so!
Eddie
Whack that bushing out with something the proper diameter, then go back with urethane pivot pushings.
6 hours? I don't think so!
Eddie
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I-Beam Suspension
Thanks! They were saying that it would take 6 hours b/c they would have to replace the entire I-beam which meant tearing off the wheel, spring, shock, radius arm and anything else that is attached to the I-beam. They told me that "this bushing is unavailable--you have to buy the entire arm because they probably press it in there right after they cast the I-beam". What a scam. Thanks for your help!
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 780
Likes: 1
I-Beam Suspension
Too bad you don't like down here in Houston--I've a pair of pristine '91 F-150 axles, brake rotors, bearings, hubs, radius arms, fairly new Energy suspension pivot bushings already installed, etc., that I'd give you rather than throw out.
Any other takers?
I pulled 'em when I bolted in a TTB 4wd front end, and aside from the miles on 'em it's a cryin' shame to dumpsterize 'em, but I'd like to get them outta the garage!
Eddie
Any other takers?
I pulled 'em when I bolted in a TTB 4wd front end, and aside from the miles on 'em it's a cryin' shame to dumpsterize 'em, but I'd like to get them outta the garage!
Eddie
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Senior User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
From: Southern IL
I-Beam Suspension
I recently replaced those pivot bushings on my '90 F-150. I went to auto zone and got a cheap set but they wouldn't go in the I-beam. So I went to NAPA and got a set that went in just fine. They were a few thousandths smaller in diameter. I built a tool to install them maybe a 2 hour job.
