Topic: Leaf Spring Bushing Install

[birfection]

I'm installing some new bushings on my stock leafs and maybe the shackles too. Any tricks to remember during install? Should i use grease on the bushings?

[junya92toy]

Id use a teflon or silicon spray to help get them in if needed. Usually the new non rubber style shouldnt need any.  Just make sure whatever you use, it wont break down the material. And you can get greaseable bolts, that will help in removing them later in life too

[-Matt-]

not related to putting the new ones in but just encase you haven't taken the old ones out yet.

on the stock springs the factory rubber is actually molded to the metal sleeve. its a complete pregnant dog to remove, just a word of advice, sometimes people are able to use a flat head screw drive to wedge in where the spring loops over to encase the bushing...allowing it to open just enough to where you can pound the whole thing out. or if all else fails use a torch to melt it out. (pretty nasty but it gets the job done). good luck

[junya92toy]

start spraying anti rust stuff in there, do that for like a week or move everyday if you can

[jmac]

I've done it both ways.  If you got a torch go that way and save the time and frustration.  Banging on those springs out of the hangers can be a little less than steady, and I can assure you if they need to be replaced then they'll be good and stuck.

Could probably get by with a little blow torch and a clothespin for the smell.

[gmack192]

I have used a larger socket ( larger diameter than the bushing), thick washer ( slightly smaller than the bushing), a piece of all thread, and 2 nuts. Welded 1 nut to the end of the all thread, hold it with a wrench or vice, slide the socket over the all thread, then the spring (bushing) then the washer and other nut. Impact the nut down to push the bushing out of the spring and in to the socket.    make sense?

[dezrik]

Don't buy the napa bushings, they are shitty and they fall right in the eye without a press or a hammer lol.

[-Matt-]

I have used a larger socket ( larger diameter than the bushing), thick washer ( slightly smaller than the bushing), a piece of all thread, and 2 nuts. Welded 1 nut to the end of the all thread, hold it with a wrench or vice, slide the socket over the all thread, then the spring (bushing) then the washer and other nut. Impact the nut down to push the bushing out of the spring and in to the socket.    make sense?

thats a good idea, never thought of that

[boneyard customs]

Buy a Sawz-All. I just replaced mine in an 1985 4RNR and had to cut the rear fronts out, cause they rust welded them selves to the sleeve and the bolt. Dont try WACKING it with a hammer messes up the bolt and hurt me fingers. Besides you cant hit it hard enough to beak the weld (RUST)