Simple Leaf-Spring removal question
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,017
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From: Southeast FLA
Simple Leaf-Spring removal question
Hello there.
I just got a rear leaf spring bushing kit from Energy Suspension, but I was wondering about possible upcoming heaaches during installation...
If I loosen one shackle bushing (or spring eye) at a time, will the spring straighten out any, thus making it a pain to get the eye and bushing lined up with the shackle and bolt without compressing the spring (curving it a little more)?
This seems like it would be an easy job, but if I need to fight a sprung spring to get it back on it won't be any fun.
I plan on using a garage lift, so the truck's wiehgt will be off of the springs, but I may do it withthe wheels close to the floor so when I unbolt each shackle bushing the wheel won't pull the loosened spring too far downward.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
I just got a rear leaf spring bushing kit from Energy Suspension, but I was wondering about possible upcoming heaaches during installation...
If I loosen one shackle bushing (or spring eye) at a time, will the spring straighten out any, thus making it a pain to get the eye and bushing lined up with the shackle and bolt without compressing the spring (curving it a little more)?
This seems like it would be an easy job, but if I need to fight a sprung spring to get it back on it won't be any fun.
I plan on using a garage lift, so the truck's wiehgt will be off of the springs, but I may do it withthe wheels close to the floor so when I unbolt each shackle bushing the wheel won't pull the loosened spring too far downward.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
From: Glendale USA
Simple Leaf-Spring removal question
gamma
I found it easier to just remove the leaf springs and do both ends of the spring at same time since you're useing a garage lift it will be alot easier just have a jack holding up the axle. As for fighting a sprung spring you shouldn't be the only problem you might encounter is getting the stock bushings out they don't like to cooperate. make sure you putalot of white lithium grease in the new bushing where the mounting bolt goes and on the outside of the new bushing or else the squeaking will drive you crazy
the only fighting you might have to do is getting the axle lined up on the center bolt of the spring and when you go to tighten up the u-bolts make sure you tighten them in a X pattern and check for u-bolt tightness a few miles down the road.
but other than that it is a fairly simple task to change the bushings out JUST DON'T FORGET THE LITHIUM GREASE urethane squeaks worse than a loose fan belt over every little bump, good luck
I found it easier to just remove the leaf springs and do both ends of the spring at same time since you're useing a garage lift it will be alot easier just have a jack holding up the axle. As for fighting a sprung spring you shouldn't be the only problem you might encounter is getting the stock bushings out they don't like to cooperate. make sure you putalot of white lithium grease in the new bushing where the mounting bolt goes and on the outside of the new bushing or else the squeaking will drive you crazy
the only fighting you might have to do is getting the axle lined up on the center bolt of the spring and when you go to tighten up the u-bolts make sure you tighten them in a X pattern and check for u-bolt tightness a few miles down the road.but other than that it is a fairly simple task to change the bushings out JUST DON'T FORGET THE LITHIUM GREASE urethane squeaks worse than a loose fan belt over every little bump, good luck
Elder User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
From: SE PA
Simple Leaf-Spring removal question
If the old bushings give you to much trouble, fire-wrench 'em (careful of the fumes though-well vented area required). I think that's the worst part, gettin' the old out! Some also have a metal bushing in the spring eyes (in addition to the bolt bushing), not always easy to see after torching, usually this gets removed when switching to the poly, but do follow what the manufacture recommends.
