spring bushings
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22
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spring bushings
i have a 1981 f350 4x4 and it is in serious need of replacing all of the spring bushings. all advice would be appreciated before i take on this one!
stock rubber versus poly.
iv'e heard of needing to torch out the old bushings. (i'm sure the neighbors would appreciate that)
my trucks stock height. gabriel shocks. dana 50 ifs. sterling rear.
built 400ci. 4sp
i would like it to ride well but control better.
thanks
!
stock rubber versus poly.
iv'e heard of needing to torch out the old bushings. (i'm sure the neighbors would appreciate that)
my trucks stock height. gabriel shocks. dana 50 ifs. sterling rear.
built 400ci. 4sp
i would like it to ride well but control better.
thanks
!
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Go poly on the suspension, rubber for body mounts! 
Bushing R&R:
=====================
To remove bushings use a heat gun or torch to soften the rubber. Push out the
inner sleeve with an old screwdriver (it will get covered with black gunk). When
the inner sleeve is out push/peel the rubber out. Remove the outer sleeve with
an air chisel. You can do it with a hammer and chisel etc but it will take a
while. Clean up the inside of the spring eye and coat the new bushing and eye
with anti-seize. If using rubber bushings and some poly bushings you will need
to make a fixture with a sleeve (ID bigger than bushing OD), flat washers, and
bolts, to draw the new bushing into the eye.
Bushing R&R:
=====================
To remove bushings use a heat gun or torch to soften the rubber. Push out the
inner sleeve with an old screwdriver (it will get covered with black gunk). When
the inner sleeve is out push/peel the rubber out. Remove the outer sleeve with
an air chisel. You can do it with a hammer and chisel etc but it will take a
while. Clean up the inside of the spring eye and coat the new bushing and eye
with anti-seize. If using rubber bushings and some poly bushings you will need
to make a fixture with a sleeve (ID bigger than bushing OD), flat washers, and
bolts, to draw the new bushing into the eye.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
torque1st provided a good example. he must have that on file some place. The only other thing I could suggest is you can also use a sawzall with a metal blade to slice the sleeve and knock it out easier with the chisel. Also, after you push out the center piece, you can also cut out the rubber with a sawzall to get to the sleeve easier.
