Howdy`
I have my Project "Toasty" truck (1969 F-250 2x4) down to bare frame and I am replacing, or should I say attempting to replace, the radius arm bushings and the I-beam bushings. The I-beams seem like they will be easy as pie- I already dropped one of them but those radius arms... they arent going without a fight. I have the nut off but how do I move the arm forward the 4 er 5 inches to where I can slide on a new bushing? Do I have to remove the steering arm set-up? Please help, since this is putting a quick hold on my project. Thanks for any help.
-Tristin
http://onefine69.classicbroncos.com

 

I removed all the steering first. Then you pull off your ibeams. Then you can move them forward. I don't know if the brake lines will reach. I took mine off and did the disc conversion. The radius bushings were cake. I had to work to get the ibeam bushings in.

 

Disconnect the springs and shocks.

 

Thanks guys. I am sure I will have more "easy answer" questions soon enough, as I get more in depth in my truck. Pulling it aprt is easy- putting it back together from a few other trucks will be interesting.
-Tristin

 

No need to dismantle the steering or remove the springs!

Remove the long bolt that secures the end of the radius arm to the I beam and you'll be able to move it far enough forward to remove/replace the bushings at the other end.

Kevin

 

take another look campbell and you'll see that long bolt does disconnect the spring from the ibeam

 

I dont know about removing that bolt- I went out and looked at it... even if I do remove the bolt, the arm would only move forward a few inches before hitting the steering arm. I think I am going to have to remove the springs, shocks, etc. I wish it was easier haha, its cold as hell out here. Thanks again guys.
-Tristin

 

THERE is another way, you can grind the rivit heads off the rear mount and drop the back end of the radius arm and replace the bushings then remount the bracket using grade 8 bolts.

 

I used chains and boomers to pull mine forward. All I took loose was the big nut at the back of the radius arm.

1/8 inch tie down chain. Did my 70 and my 69 that way.

 

Like Torque 1st said, take off the springs. The nut that holds the spring is TIGHT, I used a 1/2 impact gun. I completely swapped I beams and new springs, then had to take springs back off to get the new radius arm bushings in. just my .02

 

Does anyone know what size this bolt is? I need to replace mine.

 

Like shaggymane said take the radius nut off and I used a come-along to pull it forward enough to replace mine. A Ford certified mechanic said thats how the Ford house does it. He also said they charge you to take everything off if you carry it to them.

 

Do you know what size the bolt is? (I was going to order over the internet) Also, does anyone know the torque specs for any of the front supsension/steering components?

 

According to my 1967 Ford Truck Shop Manual Volume 1, page 3-89

Radius arm to bracket bolt size is, 3/4-10
Torque 80-120#

 

Thanks, do you mind looking up the size of the bolt that goes through the axle pivot bushing?