Front leaf bushing replacement

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Jun 12, 2007 | 05:16 PM

cangim

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From: Utah County, UT

Front leaf bushing replacement

I have a kit from energysuspension for the front leaf spring bushings. Mine squeaks worse than our old farm truck ever thought of. Has anyone ever replaced theirs? if so any tips that will make the job easier? I plan on taking the front bumper off to make it easier to work on. Was hoping that I wouldn't have to remove the leaf pack from the axle.

Jun 12, 2007 | 08:09 PM

rebelchevy02

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From: Milroy, PA

Well if your lucky, they will push out with just an air hammer. The way ive had the best success is with the torch sadly enough. heat them up hot, they will smoke, catch fire, then hit them with the air hammer. Wear a face mask, or suffer the consequences (my general way) The splatter is pretty obnoxious on the face. I would highly reccomend removing the spring and doing this off the truck. If your replacing the bushings, you may as well replace the u bolts anyways. Im not sure if anyone makes an appropriate tool for the job or not, ive just always ended up with the torch.

By the way, are you 100% certain its your spring bushings? Theres a lot of other parts that are known to squeek on these trucks.

Jun 13, 2007 | 12:51 AM

cangim

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From: Utah County, UT

Yeah I am certian it is the front bushing on the passenger side. I was thinking there might be a bearing puller looking tool to push them out. If they have to come of, then they have to come off.

Jun 13, 2007 | 10:14 AM

WILDMAN_Stroker*7.3

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From: Angleton, Tx

are you sure it's not the leaf spring pads that are bad, I have the same problem and have noticed that the pad is missing from the back of the leaf on the passenger side. I plan on replacing it, but I have put white lub on it and it stops for a while.

Jun 13, 2007 | 01:00 PM

cangim

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From: Utah County, UT

Let me put it this way, I replaced the back spacers about 18 months ago, they are still there. I have also placed a few pieces of wood between the two leafs so the bottom one is nut rubbing. Laying on my back and putting my left hand on the suspected eyelet and pushing the truck upward with my right. Not only can I still hear it from that location but I can also feel it. I am positive that is it, I already have the kit in the garage, just have to dedicate some time to replace the bushings.

Jun 27, 2007 | 02:42 AM

cangim

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From: Utah County, UT

Well I put the new bushings in and the suspension creaks are now gone. I only did the front eyelets as I really didn't feel like taking the leafs off. The passenger side where all the rucus was coming from was definately out of round and could tell where there was some play in it. The factory has an open seam, for lack of better description like a piece of flat stock bent into a circle and not welded up, and this seam lined up with the horizontal force from stopping. I pulled the micrometer out and it was .4 mm larger measuring horizontal than vertical. I check several different spots with the same results. The driver side was .1, which I wouldn't think would be a problem. At any rate, no more squeak/creaking, so I am going to lay this one to rest.

Jun 27, 2007 | 08:17 AM

rebelchevy02

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From: Milroy, PA

So which method did you use to get the old bushings out? Or were you lucky enough that they came out without too much of a headache? Either way, glad you got rid of your squeek, and are back on the road! Atleast your squeek didnt end up with you having to replace your crossmembers on your bed! haha