Axle pivot bushing

[vbrad511]

I'm not far from replacing my radius arm bushings on my 97. Should I be looking at doing the axle pivot bushing too? It's got 200k on it, but never goes off road. If so, does anybody have a part number for it, and how tough are they to change? Special precautions? Hazards?

 

[brinker88]

They are a real PIA to do IMHO....You usually have to end up burning the rubber out, then chisel/press the steel sleeve out. Then press a new one it. Check to see if they're cracked and if not, dont replace them.

 

[88_Eddie]

i just pulled out my old D28 front axle last week. my b2 is an 88 and the pivot bushings were fine. i used to wheel back a lot back in high school too.

they are a huge PITA to get out. i changed out the ones that were in the D35 i'm installing and it took a combo of a torch, drill bits, a BFH and a flathead screwdriver.

 

[vbrad511]

Thanks guys. Sounds like I'll just shoot some lube to it as best as I can and walk away from it. I haven't noticed anything to make me think it needed changed, so I'll leave it be.

 

[aspevacek]

Look at the pushing from the side. If it is anything like mine were, the Traction beam will be setting in the bracket at an angle. I just installed the Poly bushing from energy suspension. I used a socket and parts from my ball joint press, and front wheel drive bearing tool to remove the old bushings. Then the poly bushing insert in parts. You do not use a sleeve with the 97 D35 axel as instructed on the parts list as it apears to be built into the arm.