Replacing Radius Arm Bushings. (I need help)

[MXHowes]

This is a 96 Ranger 2WD 4.0.
The factory manual says to remove and replace the "Insulators, Radius Arm":

1. Loosen upper shock absorber bolt
2. Remove the nut, washer, outer insulator and spacer.
3. Move radius arm and axle assembly forward out of bracket.

This is where I hit the brick wall. There is no way the axle assembly can be mover more than about 1/4" forward and it must move more than 2" to get the forward insulator (Bushing) off.

Is there a trick to doing this without going thru the whole procedure of removing the radius are completely?

 

[Jspafford]

Other than trying to use a big prybar. I don't think so. Does your crossmember bolt in or is it welded? May be easier to drop the crossmember and do them both.

 

[MXHowes]

The cross member is riveted and bolted on. There must be a reason for the rivets otherwise you could grind them off and use some bolts.

 

[colinrmitchell]

When you put lift kits on, you grind out the rivets and put bolts in. I don't see any problem in doing that.

 

[RaceRanger97]

are you pulling the spring completely out of the bucket? It needs to be forced out so your not fighting it to move the radius arm.

 

[Downey]

take the rivets off and drop the cross member so much easier. i tried to do it the way you are with a lift and all the tools in the world and it was easier to grind off the top of the rivets. then replace with grade 8 bolts and only grade 8 bolts