Replacing Leaf Spring Bushings

[85_Ranger4x4]

Any pointers?

Eyeing the Energy Suspension kit but really don't know what to look for. For '96 Explorer springs.

Amazon.com: Energy Suspension 4.2124G Rear Spring Bushing : Automotive

Buy Energy Suspension 4.2124G Rear Spring Bushing: Body Bushings - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[racsan]

when I did mine on the ‘93 4wd I had, I torched out the old ones and after the spring eyes had cooled, I cleaned out the spring eyes, put some anti-seize inside them (as a lubricant) then used a bolt, plate of flat steel, some washers and nut to draw the new bushing into the spring eye. the reason I did mine was that I was replacing my bad hanger brackets and had to torch everything apart. the company I used for parts was stengal bros out of PA. got everything through them including hardware.

 

[sgtsandman]

I was going to suggest the same thing. Either cut or burn them out. You could try pressing them out but with rust lock, it would probably be a real fight.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Yep. Torch. I paid to have mine done at a spring shop and obvious signs of a torch being used.

 

[Dirtman]

I just set them on fire and let the rubber burn itself out. No need to go nuts with a cutting torch and risk damaging the spring. Once the rubber is done burning chisel the metal sleeve off and your done.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Polyurathane bushings work well though?

Not seeing much for rubber ones for the front, looks like there can be some size variations for the front too.

 

[Shran]

I'm about 99% sure these are what I ordered last summer:

Front - https://www.truckspring.com/products/Rubber-Leaf-Spring-Bushing-Ford__RB-152.aspx
Rear - https://www.truckspring.com/products/Rubber-Leaf-Spring-Bushing-Ford__RB-131.aspx

My method - use a hole saw to cut through the rubber, have to hit it from both sides, then use an old kitchen knife to cut out the rest (easy.) Sawzall through the outer sleeve, chisel it out. Grease new bushings and use a press (preferred) or ball joint tool or bench vise to push the new bushings in. I've torched them out too, never again.

 

[BlackBII]

That's exactly how I've done it.

Works great

Doing this usually makes it a little easier

Burning rubber!

What to do about this sleeve...

Sawzall, make one cut all the way through

Comes out easy peasy with a hammer and chisel, just fold it into itself

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I'm about 99% sure these are what I ordered last summer:

Front - https://www.truckspring.com/products/Rubber-Leaf-Spring-Bushing-Ford__RB-152.aspx
Rear - https://www.truckspring.com/products/Rubber-Leaf-Spring-Bushing-Ford__RB-131.aspx

My method - use a hole saw to cut through the rubber, have to hit it from both sides, then use an old kitchen knife to cut out the rest (easy.) Sawzall through the outer sleeve, chisel it out. Grease new bushings and use a press (preferred) or ball joint tool or bench vise to push the new bushings in. I've torched them out too, never again.

Sounds like we have a winner...

Thanks for the bushings too, better than the kit where I am going to throw away 2/3's of it. Not crazy about the potential for squeaking with the poly.

 

[Shran]

I use OEM rubber bushings if at all possible. I am just not a huge fan of poly bushings but it's getting hard to find actual rubber ones for a lot of applications now.

 

[BlackBII]

I had poly bushings in my leaves for a while but the squeaking drove me crazy.

RockAuto has the rubber ones

 

[Ranger850]

I just did them on my Nissan 2wd, with the Energy Suspension Black poly's. It was a piece of cake. they mentioned having to really work to get the old ones out, but they just slipped out, no torch or anything. Not sure how different your Ranger is.

My 88 D21

Nice work so far. The body looks to have held up pretty well. I love the slide bolt latch for the driver's door. Classic Mr Bean mod there. I'm assuming you'll be addressing that at some point. That was one of my granddad's mods. Probably due to the shitty door handle. I think I'll just...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Dirtman]

Poly does not last anywhere near as long as rubber from my experience. BUT, poly bushings are waaaaay easier to change out next time you need to do them. They aren't press fit so they just fall out, slap new ones in and go. I'd go rubber on a street truck, poly on a toy.

 

[sgtsandman]

I've found that silicone brake grease does wonders for preventing bushing squeaks in suspensions.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

RockAuto has the rubber ones

For an Explorer they only show the front ones for $23 a side no namers (Dayton?)

I've found that silicone brake grease does wonders for preventing bushing squeaks in suspensions.

Yeah, keeping them greased is the key. But I have 185k on my F-150 with the stock rubber ones and have never had to grease them, I don't see pulling bushings apart to clean/regrease being that much fun. Living on a gravel road they will catch more dirt/debris than most.