Rear Spring Bushing Replacement

[thebluemax]

I'm replacing the rear spring bushings with poly aftermarket ones, what is the best way to remove the the metal sleeve inside the spring eye from the spring? I've already removed the rubber bushings, just have the metal sleeve left.

Also is the anyway to trim down the 1 1/2 shackle bushings to fit into the 1 3/8 shackle?

 

[jeff in co]

I used a sawzall and cut the sleeve in half. Then just use a hammer and a flat head screw driver and bend it in. After it's curled in a little, it should come right out.

 

[cdoggwsu]

http://coloradok5.com/52inchspringswap.shtml

About 1/3 of the way down the page.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Also is the anyway to trim down the 1 1/2 shackle bushings to fit into the 1 3/8 shackle?

With a lathe, kinda. With anything else, I'd find the right bushings.

 

[thebluemax]

It gives me a place to start. I lack a sawzall but I'm sure I can figure something out.

 

[jeff in co]

I might have a pair of 1-3/8" bushings at home. I can double check the size when I get home. I don't need them and they are brand new.

 

[thebluemax]

I might have a pair of 1-3/8" bushings at home. I can double check the size when I get home. I don't need them and they are brand new.

Alrighty then, let me know when you get a chance? If not I will buy a set of shackles or a set of bushings whichever comes out best.

 

[cybrfire]

I like to remove the steel sleeve with a torch but you gotta be quick and decisive. Works the same as the sawzall but much faster for me personally.

 

[Gunny65]

To get to the outer sleeve you still have to remove the rubber and inner metal sleeve. Torch, torch, torch. I tried four different methods, drilling, hammer & chisel, press, and burning. Burning that sucker out was by far the easyest way. Get it started burning...outside with lots of ventilation...then let it burn for a few minutes. Then push the inner sleeve out and let it cool. It can be messy so don't do it on your porch either. Once cooled, the remaining rubber comes out pretty easy. The outer sleeve is harder. Sawsall, hammer, chisel, patience and patience. Do not cut into the spring material when cutting through the outer sleeve.

 

[thebluemax]

To get to the outer sleeve you still have to remove the rubber and inner metal sleeve. Torch, torch, torch. I tried four different methods, drilling, hammer & chisel, press, and burning. Burning that sucker out was by far the easyest way. Get it started burning...outside with lots of ventilation...then let it burn for a few minutes. Then push the inner sleeve out and let it cool. It can be messy so don't do it on your porch either. Once cooled, the remaining rubber comes out pretty easy. The outer sleeve is harder. Sawsall, hammer, chisel, patience and patience. Do not cut into the spring material when cutting through the outer sleeve.

I put a propane torch under the spring eyes and let it sit for awhile until I could see the bushings start to smoke and then beat them out. Now I have to start working on the sleeves. I had an offer to use 77_Jimmy's sawzall and press ,so hopefully I'm going to be heading over there next week.

 

[jeff in co]

Alrighty then, let me know when you get a chance? If not I will buy a set of shackles or a set of bushings whichever comes out best.

Well, it may be smaller. Here are some pics. Let me know if they will work. I installed new front springs and then installed new ORD greasable shackles. These were left over for the rear, eye hole for the front springs.

 

[thebluemax]

Well, it may be smaller. Here are some pics. Let me know if they will work. I installed new front springs and then installed new ORD greasable shackles. These were left over for the rear, eye hole for the front springs.

I just mic'd mine and I would need thicker and narrower bushings. I appreciate you lookin for me though.

On to new to me shackles I go!

 

[bronc3buster842001]

Heres the bushings. Ive had Autozone order bushings before and only takes a few days to get them.

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=3.2126