Howdy folks,

I've got the typical mid-90s Ford truck issue of a busted leaf spring hanger. In the past, both rear ones went and I had those fixed at the local shop. This time, one of the front hangers went and I decided to try the repair myself. With brute force and ignorance () I was able to get the old hanger off as well as the old bushing out from the front of the main spring.

Now, my issue is getting the new bushing in--which I can't seem to do. I've heated, lubed, pounded and all of the above countless times and I can only seem to get the new bushing in about an inch (out of three inches).

Not that the bushing is an expensive part but I don't want to destroy the thing trying to pound it in with my 3 lb hammer...

Do I need a special pressing tool for this job? Perhaps NAPA gave me the wrong bushing?

Any suggestions or shared experience would be most appreciated from my end.

thanks in advance,
Peter in Vermont.

 

You will have to get it pressed in.

 

OK--I was able to borrow a press that amounted to a C-clamp on steroids. The sucker pressed right in no problem.

Then, I got the hanger bolted on and the leaf hitched up to the hanger. Back in business!

Thanks.

 

Try putting them in the freezer overnight and using antisieze. They should almost slide right in. It has worked for me in the past.