Bad Bushing Blues
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Bad Bushing Blues
-Hey guys got a guestion -need some help. I've gt a '77 Ford F-350 2wd truck. On the front end, the bushings are out on the radius arms/torsion bars connecting to the frame. I'm not sure of the official name so i'll describe. There is an arm connecting the Front I-beams to the frame. At the point of frame connection, the bushings are out and it clunks going down the road. WELL, my question is -is there someone who makes replacement bushing in 2 halves that bolt in together with caps.
If not, can anyone tell me what it involves to replace these. I've heard it's a *%$# of a job. (sorry just quoting)
Any help is GREATLY appreciated.
If not, can anyone tell me what it involves to replace these. I've heard it's a *%$# of a job. (sorry just quoting)
Any help is GREATLY appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: South Central PA
Bad Bushing Blues
Sounds like your radius rod bushings are shot. They are available at just about any good parts store, like Napa, Advance Auto Parts, etc. If the bracket at the end of the rod attached to the frame is bolted on it isn't too bad, just take the nut off the end of the rod and unbolt the bracket and replace the bushings. If they are riveted, they can be a chore. I don't know if it's really the right way but I usually disconnect the shock, jack up the truck and support it by the frame. Then take the nut off the end of the rod and use a come-along to pull or a hydraulic jack to push the axle forward. The bushings just slide in then but getting the rod back in the hole can be a real pain.
Bill
Bill
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
Bad Bushing Blues
My brackets were riveted and bolted. Cut the rivets out, dropped the bracket, changed the bushings with poly ones and rebolted to frame with grade 8 hardware. Hardest part was trying to fit a 4-1/2 grinding wheel into some 3 inch spaces LOL.
