Replacing Leaf Spring Bushings

[sgtsandman]

After initial install with silicone grease, I never had to take them apart to re-grease for a squeak coming back. I don’t know if the silicone embeds itself in the bushing or what but it’s always been a “one and done”.

 

[BlackBII]

Explorer leaves should use RB-159 and RB-131

 

[Shran]

For some reason RockAuto lists both RB-152 and RB-159 as "rear forward" position for a 1994 Explorer. Sure wish I could track down my receipt from last year.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

For some reason RockAuto lists both RB-152 and RB-159 as "rear forward" position for a 1994 Explorer. Sure wish I could track down my receipt from last year.

Rockauto shows a RB237 for a the rear forward on a '96 Explorer (what my springs are out of)

I need to measure them yet, the fronts are quite a bit bigger than the rears though.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yup, looks like mine will take a RB237 and RB131

 

[Dirtman]

Brown springs!?!?!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Brown springs!?!?!

Even when they are dirty they will look clean.

Don’t be copying my idea!

 

[Shran]

Figures, they'd have different bushings in 2nd gens. The struggle is real.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Ok, from my research if you want poly bushings in 95-01 Explorer springs:

If you leave the steel outer sleeves in the front eyes you can use Energy Suspension 3.2125 bushings in the sleeves. It isn't how the directions say to do it but it is supposed to work.

For the rear you can use the ones out of the 4.2124 kit (for 91-94 Explorer, the rear bushing is the same) I don't know if they interchange but if you have an Explorer and if the shackle bushing interchanges that would be more of a reason to shell out $60+ for the kit. If you want just the rear bushings it looks like 2x of 2086 and 2x sleeves (no part number provided in the kit), right now they are special order and ship within 2 weeks. Don't forget to get the grease too.

And keep an eye how how much all of this costs too, it would be easy to spend enough to put a decent dent in a new set of springs with bushings already installed with no drama. For mine the heavy duty springs are like $100 a side...

Me being me already drilled out and attacked one of the front sleeves with a chisel so there isn't really any recourse for me but to go back with 2x RB237 and 2x RB131.

This was supposed to be a quick/cheap project, given the option knowing what I know now if I could I would just go with new springs that do not take these goofy sized bushings.

 

[BlackBII]

These are the good posts; all the info!

To review

91-94 Explorer
Front:
RB-159
A-Outer Diameter:1-5/8 inch
B-Length:2-1/2 inch
C-Length:3 inch
D-Inner Diameter:9/16 inch

Rear:
RB-131
A-Outer Diameter:1-1/4 inch
B-Length:2-9/16 inch
C-Length:3 inch
D-Inner Diameter:9/16 inch



95-01 Explorer
Front:
RB-237
A-Outer Diameter:1-7/8 inch
B-Length:2-1/2 inch
C-Length:3 inch
D-Inner Diameter:.551 inch (14mm)

Rear:
RB-131
A-Outer Diameter:1-1/4 inch
B-Length:2-9/16 inch
C-Length:3 inch
D-Inner Diameter:9/16 inch

 

[Shran]

BlackBII wins the internet yesterday for that post. That needs to go in the tech library somewhere.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

BlackBII wins the internet yesterday for that post. That needs to go in the tech library somewhere.

Explorer Leaf Spring Bushing Notes

Kind of a team effort thing we cooked up in the 4x4 Suspension section... Replacement bushing for Explorer leaf spring specs. For steel multileaf springs commonly swapped into Rangers: 91-94 Explorer Front: RB-159 A-Outer Diameter:1-5/8 inch B-Length:2-1/2 inch C-Length:3 inch D-Inner...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[sgtsandman]

It might be too late now but I found these gems in case you haven't bolted the springs to the frame yet. I'm thinking about getting me some.

Rear spring, front eye: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rkj-ce-91107tb

Rear spring, rear shackle: https://www.carid.com/arb/ome-greaseable-rear-leaf-spring-shackle-mpn-omegs18.html

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It might be too late now but I found these gems in case you haven't bolted the springs to the frame yet. I'm thinking about getting me some.

Rear spring, front eye: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rkj-ce-91107tb

Rear spring, rear shackle: https://www.carid.com/arb/ome-greaseable-rear-leaf-spring-shackle-mpn-omegs18.html

I found those shackles... and I got all excited about them. But I think they only fit overseas trucks and maybe the 19-20 US Ranger. All the NA Rangers I have been under have shackles that look something like this:

And mount like this:

I wish they would work, I would LOVE having them greaseable. But there is also a good chance with what I am doing that I will need to go to something like a Belltech to get my ride height back after losing the stock lift blocks.

 

[sgtsandman]

Good point. I didn’t think about the taper on the top. I’ll have to look up the diameter and length on the shackle bolts and see if I can find a greasable equivalent. I had to do that for the first bolt I posted. I had found the shackles first and went looking for something for the front to match.