How expensive, time consuming is it to change out the front leaf spring bushings?
Anyone ever do this?
Jeff

 

What tools do you have access to? I have not done these bushings, but I have done others, they were time consuming, I used a torch and a punch then, the next time I used a press..

 

I recently finished doing mine and I don't think I would attempt it without a press. Are you replacing with OEM or some poly aftermarket product? The poly replacements should slide right in, the press was only needed for removal.

 

What bushings are you replacing? If you are talking about the shims that go between the leaf's, then they weren't to bad. If you are talking about the ones on the end, I don't have experience with them.

 

Yeah if your talking about the ones on the end, well I just replaced the whole spring. It was getting a little saggy anyway.

 

If you are talking about the spring pack mounts then you will need a 'C' clamp for the rear to re-align the holes to put the bolt through and a lot of patience for the front one. To get that big bolt out you will need to remove the corner bracket of the bumper and the lower valance bracket that goes between the frame rails. After that you will need to remove the lower corner radiator mount (I don't need to tell you to NOT remove both of them at the same time, right?). Then and only then, will the front bolt slide all the way out. I replaced my packs so I had the axle unbolted and slid the pack out then (which required some twisting and coaxing, much like the old game Operation). As for being able to just jack up the fram and have the pack drop out far enough to have enough room to replace the bushing, I couldn't tell you. It looks pretty simple, but it's a lot more work than it looks. I don't have the link to it, but I used a write-up from the Excursion forum where the person was swapping to V code (5200lb) springs that come standard on our rigs...

EDIT: Here's the link...http://www.supermotors.net/clubs/for...stry/9/54681-2

You might want to read through it as you will be doing most of the work outlined just to replace the bushings. From there you can decide if you want to tackle it. One thing I will mention is that the author did not replace his axle u-bolts. These bolts are torque-to-yield and you should NEVER re-use that type of bolt. If you do remove the u-bolts, BUY NEW ONES.

I hope this helps.