Adjustable Camber Bushings

[85_Ranger4x4]

Axle is out of a '95 Ranger, I can't turn one bushing without the other turning?

Like an idiot I just stuck them in like they are without "zeroing" them.

Is there some kind of a trick to it? Are they in a bind because I didn't zero them?

 

[4x4junkie]

You need to hold the lower part of the bushing while you turn the upper part (use an extra-thin wrench or pliers or something).

Lacking that, it's probably easiest to just pull the bushing out and readjust it with it out of the axle.

 

[adsm08]

Oh screw those things.

 

[Curious Hound]

Oh screw those things.

I don't think they're threaded.
?

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I haven't installed mine permanently yet, but just to prepare them ahead of time, I coated them in anti-seize and worked as much of it as possible in between the two parts using some dry-moly spray to thin it and help work it in.. I'd recommend it. You might give some thought to making a simple wrench for them out of some sheet steel that's the same thickness as the outer bushing hex head.

I hear alignment guys really hate these bushings because of them wanting to stick and/or seize up.

Out of curiosity, have you thought about adjustable radius arm bushings? I noticed those on RockAuto but I've never seen anyone on here using them.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I put mine in dry out of fear they would shift after it was aligned if they were too well lubed... well that ain't gonna happen.

I did get the PS back out, and hit it with penetrating oil last night, it is can be adjusted with two wrenches now. Like before I installed them the two parts won't come apart for anti seize.

DS seems to refuse to come out of the truck.

Bottom hex is tapered too, varies roughly from 1/4" to 1/8".

I am starting to see why alignment shops don't care for this style axle in general.

I have never heard of adjustable radius arm bushings, I am just trying to get mine so I don't burn up the tires getting it somewhere to be aligned.

EDIT:

New plan, it is a beautiful plan too.

I was talking to dad about my problem, he asked what size I needed... and came up with this:

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Very cool crows foot wrench ends.. I know the bushings won't come apart, that's why I worked the anti-seize between them using a moly-spray to thin it. Worked well.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Not sure what the "correct" tools are but this setup works perfectly.



1-3/8" weird crows foot and 1-1/2" wrench.

 

[Curious Hound]

Looks good from here

 

[lvwill]

Talk to the alignment shop that is going to do the work. I actually found a shop in Vegas that does a lot of older Ford's and was told that if I wanted them to use the adjustable bushings it would cost more and no guarantee that it would hold. A good shop can get it spot on with solid bushings.

 

[4x4junkie]

It's possible the pinch bolt may need to be tightened a bit tighter than usual with these bushings...
I've never had mine work loose or shift around, though it did happen once on a friend's truck. Spec calls for "48-65 ft-lbs" for the pinch bolt, I usually take them up to around 70-75.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Talk to the alignment shop that is going to do the work. I actually found a shop in Vegas that does a lot of older Ford's and was told that if I wanted them to use the adjustable bushings it would cost more and no guarantee that it would hold. A good shop can get it spot on with solid bushings.

Little bro who is shop foreman at the local dealer is my fallback.

Hoping to get the toe set and tires on it tomorrow. Then drive it around the farm to get the suspension settled and see how things work out... and see how far I can get it myself.