Radius Arm Bushings
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 9
From: Acworth, GA
When I replaced my radius arm bushings, I used a come along. I jacked up the truck (jack-stands under the frame). Jacked up the wheel and removed the tire. Then I removed the lower shock bolt, and lowered the jack all the way. Then I removed the retaining clip that holds the top of the coil spring. And the coil spring comes down (still attached at the bottom).
I removed the nuts holding the rear of the radius arms on. I attached a come-along to the front I-beam/axle and to my lawn tractor. I pulled the slack out and pulled the radius arm forward enough to get the bushings off.
Once I had the new bushing installed,
I attached the come-along between the front I-beam/axle and the rear axle. Then I used the come-along to pull the radius arm back into position so that the other bushing could be installed.
Then you can put everything back as it was. Good luck, I found it was not as difficult as I had imagined it to be. Let us know how it turned out. And post some pictures.
I removed the nuts holding the rear of the radius arms on. I attached a come-along to the front I-beam/axle and to my lawn tractor. I pulled the slack out and pulled the radius arm forward enough to get the bushings off.
Once I had the new bushing installed,
I attached the come-along between the front I-beam/axle and the rear axle. Then I used the come-along to pull the radius arm back into position so that the other bushing could be installed.
Then you can put everything back as it was. Good luck, I found it was not as difficult as I had imagined it to be. Let us know how it turned out. And post some pictures.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,157
Likes: 3
I drilled out the bracket rivets, put on the forward bushing, reinstalled brackets with grade 8 bolts, then rear bushing, nut. Come-along works too.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 708
Likes: 1
I used a carbide burr on a die grinder to remove the rivet heads then reattached the radius arm brackets with grade 8 hardware and a dab of loctite when done also.
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 3
From: Waterloo IL
Did all years have the brackets riveted on? My 1977 is bolted. I know the 78/79s were riveted but I'm not quite as familiar with the 77s even though that is what I have. lol.
I'm just wondering if someone has been in there already or if the 77 is bolted from the factory.
I just finished up changing the radius arm bushings at the other end, the C-bushings. Thats not the most fun I've ever had. haha. I installed 7* C-bushings from Bronco Graveyard.
I'm just wondering if someone has been in there already or if the 77 is bolted from the factory.
I just finished up changing the radius arm bushings at the other end, the C-bushings. Thats not the most fun I've ever had. haha. I installed 7* C-bushings from Bronco Graveyard.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Aurora CO
i just did this on mine back in march/april.
i replaced all the bushings on the front end, the shocks and the coil springs with buckets. at the same time i coated most everything with chassis saver.
i jacked up the front. put it on jack stands and when it was time to remove the radius arms i was able to simply roll the front axle.
it was very easy.
i have a 78 f150 4x4 and the radius arm brackets were bolted on. at the time i also had a 77 f150 4x4 and they were riveted on. i actually had to swap one from the parts truck as one on my truck was bent.
i replaced all the bushings on the front end, the shocks and the coil springs with buckets. at the same time i coated most everything with chassis saver.
i jacked up the front. put it on jack stands and when it was time to remove the radius arms i was able to simply roll the front axle.
it was very easy.
i have a 78 f150 4x4 and the radius arm brackets were bolted on. at the time i also had a 77 f150 4x4 and they were riveted on. i actually had to swap one from the parts truck as one on my truck was bent.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 9
From: Acworth, GA
I basically did both sides at the same time. I did loosen everything up at the same time and then installed the bushings one at a time. Then tightened everything up at the same time.
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1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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