95 f150 4x4. I want to replace the pivot bushings as they are the only parts I have not replaced on this front end yet. Is this a simple job I can do in the drive? Are any special tools needed or can I get by with some inginuity? Should I replace with OEM rubber or some other aftermarket? Should I also replace the bolts?
Thanx Al

 

I'd use rubber replacements. You will need a special press to get the old ones out/new ones in. I'm not sure where to get one, I've never replaced a set. You can reuse the bolts.

If it were me, I'd be using a little locktite on those nuts. Hate to see what would happen if one backs off.

 

The manual says to use a special tool to remove and one to install. Just wondering if that's necessary. Like to here from someone who has replaced them. Thanks andym, you have helped out on many of my "projects".

 

You don't need any special tool to replace those bushings. Just drill a hole as close to the inner edge of the bushing shell as you can get, and walk the bit around the edge of the shell. It's a messy job, and you'll probably want to heat the bushing with a torch to get the last remainder of crap out, but I managed to do each side in about an hour. I used the Energy Suspension bushings, and they don't have any squeak or binding problems.

Sean

 

It all depends what you are replacing them with.

If you are replacing the bushings with a "bushing insert", then you just have to burn/drill out the rubber part of the original bushing and shove the new one in there fairly easily.

If the replacements are the entire bushing including the metal sleeve, then you will need a press. It is NOT a fun job.

I didn't have a press. took me about two hours, and I mashed up the new bushing trying to force it in. also broke a big C-clamp in Half trying to use it to press the new bushing in the hole.

 

I haven't seen these bushings closely off the vehicle to verify this works, but one great method is to heat the metal surround with a torch until the rubber starts burning, and press on the bushing at the same time. Have a water-filled bucket there to catch it when it pops out.

Dave

 

I'm doing this more as pm than anything. I don't have a real issue with the bushings but after 160k miles I'm sure there has to be some wear. Just trying to tighten up the front end as much as possible since everything else has been addressed. I did not know there was a sleeve outside of the rubber bushing that had to be replaced.
Thanks, any others out there with experience doing this job?

 

Mine popped out using a press and a socket that fit just inside the bushing sleeve. I used urethane bushings from Energy Suspension instead of rubber replacements. I had to pry the bracket open a little to get the new bushings to line up right. I replace all the bushings front and rear and now the truck feels much better. The ride isn't too harsh, either.

 

I did mine in the garage, so it's definitely possible. I also rebuilt my entire front end & it was the worst part. I couldn't press mine out, as the sleeves had mushroomed where they stand proud of the hole in the I-beam. I drilled out around the rubber bushing, which took a ton of time, then used a hacksaw blade to carefully cut through just the sleeve & twisted the sleeve out with pliers. I installed the new bushings with a ball joint press I bought for $30 at Harbor Freight (looks like a big C-clamp). It really helped to have air to run the press down slowly while holding things in place with the other hand. You need to leave about 1/4" of the bushing proud of the hole in the I-beam.
Burning out the old bushing works, but you better not live within 1/4 mile of a neighbor. It stinks big time & throws off bunches of smoke.
I used Energy bushings since the axle pivot bushing takes a ton of abuse & is pretty small. My old bushings were absolutely hammered at 120K miles, despite little off road use & not much load carrying. Urethane bushings generally harshen the ride, but axle pivot bushings don't contribute to ride quality much.
Don't forget some Locktite red on the bolts when re-installing things. Don't want an I-beam dropping on you. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the replies. I may have more time to play around with this since I'll probably be parking this truck and buying a rice burner for daily use. I drive 400+miles per week and with these gas prices, who can afford it.