Radius arm bushing

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Mar 12, 2001 | 11:35 PM

BigBrownTruck

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Elder User

Joined: Aug 1999

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Radius arm bushing

I was under my truck working to reinstall a nice dual pipe setup from my 76 into 79 (302). In order to get the pipes into place I had to remove the crossmember that spans between the radius arm brackets. While up close and personal under there, I saw that the passenger side radius arm bushing appears very worn down. Just inside the big nut that holds it on, is a big washer that must be the mystery loose rattle I've been hearing and not finding. The rubber on the backside of the radius arm seems degraded. Can I get by w/ getting just that part of the bushing? or do I need to to take the whole radius arm off to fix it?

BBT

Mar 12, 2001 | 11:52 PM

Franklin2

Moderator

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 56,965

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From: Virginia

Radius arm bushing

Use your own judgement, but I've only seen these bushings in kit form, so you will have to buy everything anyway.

Mar 13, 2001 | 07:08 AM

Nathan

Posting Guru

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 1,485

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Radius arm bushing

Just some advise, get the poly bushings, the aftermarket stock style are JUNK!! I went through a brand new set in a month. Two of the bushings split all the way around. Plus, the polys are cheaper!!

Nathan

Mar 13, 2001 | 09:04 AM

buzzard

Logistics Pro

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 3,960

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From: All over Texas

Radius arm bushing

These bushings are very easy to replace so I'd go ahead and get the polyurethane replacement bushings and do both sides at once. You'll be happy you did.

Mar 13, 2001 | 03:05 PM

vern

Freshman User

Joined: Nov 1999

Posts: 33

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Radius arm bushing

I agree. The bushings are not too hard to install. I also agree with using the new poly version. They are much more durable and last longer. That is what is on my truck. I also think you might just want to get both sides at once.

Vern

Mar 13, 2001 | 04:49 PM

jwtimme

Laughing Gas

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 1,072

Likes: 3

From: tulsa

Radius arm bushing

You can buy just the radius arm bushings from auto zone, defiantly get the poly bushings. To change them, jack the truck up in the air by the frame. Then put a floor jack under the I beam. Undo the spring let the I beam down and slide forward to remove the radios arm. I would be wise to do both sides at one time.

Mar 13, 2001 | 10:37 PM

jspegg

Junior User

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 70

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Radius arm bushing

I would just like to make a suggestion instead of jacking it up and loosing the I beam I would just take of the bracket off at the back of the radius arm where the bushing is. It is probably riveted in but just drill the rivets out and put grade 8 bolts in
the reason I suggest this is my radius arm bushing are good I haven't replaced them yet but the rivets on both sides wore out and were allowing the radius arm bracket to flop up and down every time I drove the truck which in return would have worn out my bushing if I hadn't fixed it so quickly.But now when ever mine do go bad and I have to replace them all I have to do is take the bolts off the bracket slide the bushing off, replace it and I done in 15 minutes.Some of my friends have had the rivets wear out on them too so you will one day have to put bolts in anyway.
Hope I could help it is just a suggestion.

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Mar 14, 2001 | 12:03 AM

fozzy

More Turbo

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 574

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From: New England

Radius arm bushing

If you'll notice right where the bushings are , there are either three rivets or three bolts that hold the arm to the frame. Hopefully you have bolts. jack up at the front of the radius arm just enough to hold the front spring under tension. (DO NOT JACK UP THE TRUCK BY THE ARM) just raise it untill the spring has fully compressed.this will keep the arm front twisting out of place from the front coil. remove the three bolts and large bolt, you then lower the jack just a hair untill the arm pulls down from the frame, replace bushings.Lift the arm back into place with the jack.replace bolts..**USE LOCKTITE**
ps if you have rivets remove them, and replace them with grade 8 or better bolts at least 5/8"X4-5" ..this will make it very easy to replace them should they get worn out..
GOOD LUCK!!!!

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77'FORD F150 XLT 400