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Radius Arm Bushing Question

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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 03:56 PM
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Radius Arm Bushing Question

After removing the nut and other parts from this side, I have this bushing still where my finger is pointing. It doesn't want to come off and I am wondering if it should come off or is it part of the bushing on the other side? If it is part of the other side, do I need to cut it off to remove the arm from its slot or just proceed with it there. This is my 91 Listed below. Thanks Sandy


 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 04:08 PM
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The bracket needs to be removed from the radius arm. There is bushing between the bracket and arm. If it has bolts, unbolt it and remove it. If it has rivots, then grind/drill/torch them out and replace with Grade 8 bolts. Make sure you have a floor jack under the front axle, in line with the spring as things tend to move around a bit due to spring pressure. It is also helpful to raise/lower the jack to help align the bolt holes when reassembling.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 04:13 PM
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Thanks Andy. I am familiar with that procedure but would rather proceed leaving the riveted bracket as is. If it comes to that, I will do it. Sandy
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 04:20 PM
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Your bushing still looks good. Bushing comes in from the front of the bracket. Shoot a picture of the front so I can see if you have the little ring on the arm that needs to be removed when changing bushings.

On some there is a small ring where I have the arrow pointing. Clean the area well and look closely. It's very hard to see. It needs to come off if there. I used a hammer and sharp chisel to take mine off.

 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 04:26 PM
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Here you go.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 04:54 PM
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Yours doesn't have the rings. The front of your bushings sure look a lot worse than the rear. Mine had half rivets and half bolts. It wasn't hard to grind off the rivet head and punch them out.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by yardbird
Yours doesn't have the rings. The front of your bushings sure look a lot worse than the rear. Mine had half rivets and half bolts. It wasn't hard to grind off the rivet head and punch them out.
Yep on the fronts. Why I'm doing it. Before I get into removing rivets do you think the back bushing is part of the front one and if so can I just cut it off and proceed? Sandy
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 05:27 PM
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The rubber part sticking out the rear is made to the front section. Unless you drop the axle, you will have to remove the radius arm brackets.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 05:33 PM
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Originally Posted by yardbird
The rubber part sticking out the rear is made to the front section. Unless you drop the axle, you will have to remove the radius arm brackets.
I was planning of dropping the axle and have the pivot nut removed already. I really don't mind removing the rivets but I don't plan on ever doing this to the truck again. If I have an issue I will get out the grinder. Thanks again yardbird and Andy. Sandy
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 05:36 PM
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I prefer to do it that way myself. Then you can easily replace the pivot bushing while the axle is dropped.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by GoinBoarding
I prefer to do it that way myself. Then you can easily replace the pivot bushing while the axle is dropped.
Good idea. Will do GoinBoarding. Sandy
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by yardbird
Unless you drop the axle, you will have to remove the radius arm brackets.
Not exactly true. You do not need to completely remove the axle unless you want to replace the pivot bushing.

The simplified version is:

With the truck supported at the frame or radius arm bracket; remove the spring and shock(s). Remove the radius arm nut. Loosen the lower radius arm bolt and upper radius arm stud but don’t completely remove them since it isn’t necessary. This should allow you to pull the axle forward enough to disengage the radius arm from the bracket. Replace the bushing and then reassemble.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks


Not exactly true. You do not need to completely remove the axle unless you want to replace the pivot bushing.

The simplified version is:

With the truck supported at the frame or radius arm bracket; remove the spring and shock(s). Remove the radius arm nut. Loosen the lower radius arm bolt and upper radius arm stud but don’t completely remove them since it isn’t necessary. This should allow you to pull the axle forward enough to disengage the radius arm from the bracket. Replace the bushing and then reassemble.
That was basically my original plan. I was concerned the back bushing would prevent me from having enough room to remove the arm. Thanks Sandy
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 07:30 PM
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That was how I was taught at the dealership. That way the front of the radius arm is loose to pivot on the TTB/ I beam allowing you to remove it from the bracket. No rivet grinding is needed. You need to remove the arm from the bracket to remove the bushing in the upper right corner and the metal cup which appears to be missing on your truck.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks



That was how I was taught at the dealership. That way the front of the radius arm is loose to pivot on the TTB/ I beam allowing you to remove it from the bracket. No rivet grinding is needed. You need to remove the arm from the bracket to remove the bushing in the upper right corner and the metal cup which appears to be missing on your truck.
These are the parts installed left to right on arm in the back of the bracket. Is that the metal cup you are talking about?
 
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