Spring eye bushing replacement

fastpakr · Jul 24, 2018

Final note - the sleeves definitely had to come out.

Also, even after removing the sleeves, thoroughly sanding down the bore, freezing the new bushings, and greasing the spring eye, they were a $#@%#@$ to press in.

Sdude2008 · Aug 13, 2018

So would you say using the poly bushings would have been easier? I'm just about done cleaning out the old and balked when I saw the steel sleeve type at the parts store. Thanks.

fastpakr · Aug 13, 2018

Given the opportunity I would definitely use poly. The steel ones were a giant pain to push in. Unfortunately, ES doesn't sell a kit for the explorer springs, and you can't buy the poly rear eye bushings outside of the kit (as far as I could find). On ranger springs, go poly for sure.

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Sdude2008 · Aug 13, 2018

These are stock 1999 ranger 4wd rear eyes I'm trying to replace the shackle which rotted out. I just burned out the old and I don't recall seeing a sleeve in there but who knows. If it ever stops raining here in CT I'll get back under there. Yeah it looks like only kits available for around $60 which is too much when I just need the rears. I see some like this but to buy four its more than the kit.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-OEM-89-04-Ranger-Rear-Suspension-Spring-Bushing-E9TZ5781C/182657403542?fits=Year:1999|Make:Ford|Model:Ranger&epid=1611205743&hash=item2a873aca96:g:HaMAAOSw5rdZeZ3p:sc:USPSPriority!06032!US!-1&_sacat=0&_nkw=1999+ford+ranger+leaf+spring+bushing+rear&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0

Thanks for the fast response.

fastpakr · Aug 13, 2018

Based on the diagram those are the front eye bushings.

Your shackles came with new rear brakes, right?

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Sdude2008 · Aug 13, 2018

New rear brakes? I looked at the shackles but didn't get them yet because they had the sleeve bushing and it didn't look like what I removed. I guess I'll just get the shackles with the sleeves.

What method did you use to press yours in? I've seen a guy drive a chisel into the eye loop gap to spread the eye slightly and I just found this guy's video which I might try.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNy2tnLLCm4

fastpakr · Aug 13, 2018

I meant bushings, sorry. Weird typo /auto correct.

I ended up using a rented press from the local auto parts store. Not a ball joint unit, but something similar (I can't remember what it was to be honest). Had to cut out the original sleeves, thoroughly sand down the bore, and freeze the new ones before pressing them in. Really right fit.

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Sdude2008 · Aug 13, 2018

Did you Dremel out the old sleeves? I'm also working with the spring still in the truck, were you?
Thanks.

fastpakr · Aug 13, 2018

I used a reciprocating saw to cut across them on opposite sides, then tapped out the halves.
The springs were off the truck. Honestly, given the opportunity I'd encourage you to pull yours and do the full urethane bushing set.

Sdude2008 · Aug 13, 2018

Thanks I appreciate the advice.

UPDATE: I used a bottle jack to push the spring down far enough to clear the tow hitch. Then cut the bolt head off with a sawzall. Next I torched the rubber and pried the bolt/bushing from the other side with a small pry bar. I cleaned out the spring eye with some emery cloth and used a threaded rod with washers, nuts and two sockets sized to fit the new bushing. Pressing the new bushing in couldn't have been easier. I always appreciate the advice I get here. Thanks again!

Dirtman · Aug 13, 2018

Sorry I didn't keep up with this thread. Glad everything worked out fastpakr. You got it on the road yet? Hope you remembered poly bushings get torqued waaaaay less than the factory bushings or they will burn out in the center. The rubbers are designed to basically get railed down to military torque... smoke the gun then another turn lol. Poly takes a light touch so they wear evenly.

Spring eye bushing replacement

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Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion

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