Front Clip Retainer bushings
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Joined: Feb 2002
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Front Clip Retainer bushings
Hey guys, need some insight. I am restoring my 78 f-150 4x4 and have the front clip all off. No problems there. But the 2 bushings that are attached to the frame that bolt down the radiator support are giving me problems. Can't get the suckers apart! They go together like this.
Retainer Upper
Absorber Upper (rubber bushing)
Frame
Absorber Lower (rubber bushing)
Retainer Lower
According to the Detroit Iron manual (I got from this great site) shows that they push and snap together, but 25 years of rust have kind made them difficult to get apart. I am planning on getting the Polyurethane Suspension/Chassis Bushing Kit from JC Whitney, but I am not sure if the metal retainers come with the kit.
I have tried using WD-40, I have tried using a propane torch and holding it there for 10 minutes and banging on them to no avail! Are they pressed on there? Should I cut them off? Does anyone know if the kit comes with these metal retainers?? Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks!!!
Mike
Rompin 78'
Retainer Upper
Absorber Upper (rubber bushing)
Frame
Absorber Lower (rubber bushing)
Retainer Lower
According to the Detroit Iron manual (I got from this great site) shows that they push and snap together, but 25 years of rust have kind made them difficult to get apart. I am planning on getting the Polyurethane Suspension/Chassis Bushing Kit from JC Whitney, but I am not sure if the metal retainers come with the kit.
I have tried using WD-40, I have tried using a propane torch and holding it there for 10 minutes and banging on them to no avail! Are they pressed on there? Should I cut them off? Does anyone know if the kit comes with these metal retainers?? Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks!!!
Mike
Rompin 78'
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland, WI USA
Front Clip Retainer bushings
I just did the same thing to my 78 4x4. Only mine has a tilting front clip now.
There is a sleeve between the two retainer ends that keep it from compressing too much. That's usually where the bolt is rusted solid. You could just bust it off and drill it out.
For my cab mounts (which are very similar), I busted the top half of the bolt off and drilled the rest out big enough for a new bolt to fit through. I got longer bolts and new nuts with my body lift and they worked perfectly.
A while ago I called the local parts store and asked if the retainers were part of the kit, but unfortunately, my memory sucks and I don't remember what he said. I do remember calling the Ford dealer who told me he could still get the whole assembly. It wasn't cheap though. Around $60-$70.
Good luck.
Kevin K.
There is a sleeve between the two retainer ends that keep it from compressing too much. That's usually where the bolt is rusted solid. You could just bust it off and drill it out.
For my cab mounts (which are very similar), I busted the top half of the bolt off and drilled the rest out big enough for a new bolt to fit through. I got longer bolts and new nuts with my body lift and they worked perfectly.
A while ago I called the local parts store and asked if the retainers were part of the kit, but unfortunately, my memory sucks and I don't remember what he said. I do remember calling the Ford dealer who told me he could still get the whole assembly. It wasn't cheap though. Around $60-$70.
Good luck.
Kevin K.
