I recently installed I-Beam axle pivot bushings in my '89 F150 2WD 5.0 5 spd. I am now wondering if I should have used some special lube for the bolts that go through the pivot bushings. I lightly greased each bolt before installing them. Should I have used something else ? Thanks.

 

I have been using never sieze. That is for future disassembly purposes only.That bolt and inner bushing sleeve do not turn. You might have noticed a sort of teeth on the inner sleeve at each end so it grips the mount. The rubber does the flexing.
I like to leave the bolt very loose till the truck is off the jack stands, then tighten to spec. when sitting on the ground.

 

"I like to leave the bolt very loose till the truck is off the jack stands, then tighten to spec. when sitting on the ground". This is excellent advice!! Thank you. I used a floor jack and raised the assembly to the normal riding height and then tightened the bushing in place. We are on the same page.....tightening in the run condition.

I am near salt water and that stuff seems to get places that it shouldn't. For connections that don't move (lug nuts, etc.) the never-sneeze ) seems to dry-out over time and then just disappears (3-4 year intervals). It rains a lot here and just driving through deep (fresh) water could blast any grease away. (duh!!!) I hadn't really thought of that until just now (senior moment....).

One axle pivot bolt was slightly eroded and it has been replaced. The other side looked like new when I installed the bushings. I have pulled both of them, coated them with marine-grade bearing grease and reinstalled them. I'm hoping that the grease doesn't work its way out and cause problems with the rubber bushings. I was hoping to find a lube that would stay put while being compatible with the rubber. I'll just look at them each time I'm under the truck for any reason.

Thanks for the post. Have a good day.