Radius Arm Bushing Replacement
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Radius Arm Bushing Replacement
Has anyone replaced the radius arm bushings? I am thinking of cutting the rivets and removing the rear bracket to change the bushings and bolt back together with grade 8 bolts. Has anyone done it this way? Has anyone installed a lift that required changing the rear brackets and Radius Arms? Any comments/experiences would be welcome. Thanks, Chris
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 903
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From: Banning CA
Radius Arm Bushing Replacement
No need to remove the bracket, remove the spring and the shock, remove the bolt holding the radius arm, lift the spindle up almost all the way, this will allow it to move forward and allow you to remove the bushing without taking off the bracket.
Good luck
Dave
Good luck
Dave
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,525
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Radius Arm Bushing Replacement
I second the way Deleontow explained to change those bushings.It is much faster that way and less strenuous,besides safer,than to cut those rivets,usually with a torch.Besides what Dave mentioned, you may have to disconnect the brake line to gain additional movement.
Phillip
Phillip
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Radius Arm Bushing Replacement
Chris;
Let me tell you how I changed the radius arm bushings on my 1980 4X4:
Remove the front drive shaft, making sure to make a chalk mark to preserve alignment.
Remove lower shock(s) bolt and free shock(s).
Remove bolts to free front sway bar.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REMOVE THE FRONT SPRING. This can be dangerous without the right equipment. Use a "come along" to pull the entire I beam forward so that the radius arm will pull out of its housing (after taking off the nut).
Install the bushing and relocate everything.
This is not a one man job- you will need a buddy as with any suspension work.
Good luck!
Let me tell you how I changed the radius arm bushings on my 1980 4X4:
Remove the front drive shaft, making sure to make a chalk mark to preserve alignment.
Remove lower shock(s) bolt and free shock(s).
Remove bolts to free front sway bar.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REMOVE THE FRONT SPRING. This can be dangerous without the right equipment. Use a "come along" to pull the entire I beam forward so that the radius arm will pull out of its housing (after taking off the nut).
Install the bushing and relocate everything.
This is not a one man job- you will need a buddy as with any suspension work.
Good luck!
Junior User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
Radius Arm Bushing Replacement
MAKE SURE YOU GET ADJUSTABLE BUSHINGS! This will allow your alignment guy a chance to really dial in the fron-end. They aren't very expensive, and now is the time to do it.
I drilled out the rivets when I did this chore on my 86 F150, it's not too bad if you're set up right..... use a 1/2 inch drill motor and 3/8 drill bit, drill into the center of the rivet, and drill in just deep enough to reach the frame. An air chisel will pop off the head you've drilled into, and off she comes. A come-along helps to pull the rod forward (after removing the nut), and out she comes. Put in the new adjustable radius rod bushings, install at least grade 5 strength bolts that fit tight into the rivet holes. If the bolt fit isn't snug, drill the holes to fit the next size larger bolt snugly. This is important, you don't want those puppies working loose. Hope this helps. It's a weekend job for sure, but well worth the effort.
I drilled out the rivets when I did this chore on my 86 F150, it's not too bad if you're set up right..... use a 1/2 inch drill motor and 3/8 drill bit, drill into the center of the rivet, and drill in just deep enough to reach the frame. An air chisel will pop off the head you've drilled into, and off she comes. A come-along helps to pull the rod forward (after removing the nut), and out she comes. Put in the new adjustable radius rod bushings, install at least grade 5 strength bolts that fit tight into the rivet holes. If the bolt fit isn't snug, drill the holes to fit the next size larger bolt snugly. This is important, you don't want those puppies working loose. Hope this helps. It's a weekend job for sure, but well worth the effort.
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