Radius Arm Bushings, can I replace them?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
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Radius Arm Bushings, can I replace them?
How difficult is it to replace the radius arm bushings on my 78 F250 4x2? I have a limited set of tools and mechanical knowledge. I replaced my shocks, thermostat, tune up and that's about it.
Here are some picks of my brackets. As you can see the bushing are all but disintegrated.
My brackets only have one rivet and 3 bolts. I will drill out the rivet and replace it with a grade 8 bolt.
1)What size bolt do I need?
2)While removing the bracket do I need to support or jack up any part of the truck?
3) There are many options for bushings-some with plastic spacers, some come with metal washers, etc. Which to I need. It looks like mine have the washer welded to the arm and nut? Here are some examples I have seen.
4) Any other tips?
I would like to do the job this weekend assuming I find the bushings. Thanks.
Here are some picks of my brackets. As you can see the bushing are all but disintegrated.
My brackets only have one rivet and 3 bolts. I will drill out the rivet and replace it with a grade 8 bolt.
1)What size bolt do I need?
2)While removing the bracket do I need to support or jack up any part of the truck?
3) There are many options for bushings-some with plastic spacers, some come with metal washers, etc. Which to I need. It looks like mine have the washer welded to the arm and nut? Here are some examples I have seen.
4) Any other tips?
I would like to do the job this weekend assuming I find the bushings. Thanks.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,238
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From: Northern Illinois
How can we tell you if you can replace it? The bushings are replaceable but we have no idea on your mechanical capabilites. If your confident in yourself then start tearing it apart. It really isn't that hard to do.
For the replacement bolt I would use a 7/16" coarse thread grade 8.
Make sure you have heat to loosen up that radius arm nut as well.
For the replacement bolt I would use a 7/16" coarse thread grade 8.
Make sure you have heat to loosen up that radius arm nut as well.
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Logistics Pro
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Do I need to support the bracket/arm when I remove the last bolt? Will it have a lot of tension?
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,238
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From: Northern Illinois
I'd support it with a floor jack to keep it from moving to far. In all reality it is probably about a 3 hour job with the right tools. If you don't have a torch to heat that nut up at the end of the R/A you would be better to take it in and have it done.
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Logistics Pro
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Thanks. Got the torch, breaker bar, etc.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: salt lake
Its really not that hard. i have done a few. if you are going to take the mount off or the frame to do this fix then take some steps like; block both front tires, front and back of tire as well as one or both back ones. and take the rad bolts off first it makes it easier to put them of if still connected to the frame, also put a jack or a stand on one. if not they both can drop at the same time and its not fun when they do. then replace and put back together. like i said not hard just time consuming.
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Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,157
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Its really not that hard. i have done a few. if you are going to take the mount off or the frame to do this fix then take some steps like; block both front tires, front and back of tire as well as one or both back ones. and take the rad bolts off first it makes it easier to put them of if still connected to the frame, also put a jack or a stand on one. if not they both can drop at the same time and its not fun when they do. then replace and put back together. like i said not hard just time consuming.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Kiefer, Northeastern Okla
The search function is your friend. Here's just one of a bunch- https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-bushings.html
Pete
Pete
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Joined: Oct 2007
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the way i have done mine undo the big nut slide a jack under the arm by the bracket [to keep it from dropping] set parking brake hook a com-along to somthing solid pull back just enough to re and re inside bushings [you will want to match up with what you have noteing the steel washer position] as they vary by year release com-along and arm should pop back in if it slid up ward get a freind to use a bar to re position you will be amazed at the differnce about 1/2 job per side also may want to check the i beam bushing if this ones that bad the other one cant be far behind hope this helps regurds joe
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yes you bet theres all ways more ways to do the job one of our hd mechanics at our shop did this for me and i was impressed with how easy and fast it was there was a bet going on to see who could do it faster [i lost by the way] boy i will bet that front end is moveing all over the place with bushings like that my s/c was the same way total 100% differnce