Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Patsfan34 · 12-21-2009, 06:36 PM

I'm getting close to finally having my frame sandblasted. I noticed while stripping parts off of the frame, some...actually most of the leaf spring bushing are cracked and dry rotted and I would assume they are the originals. I would also assume that if I'm supposed to change them I should wait until the frame is blasted and redone. What can I expect if I replace them. Any tricks I should know? Can anyone recommend a good aftermarket company? LMC trucks probably? The frame is a 68 GMC 4x4 SWB.

Thanks,

Patsy

72armyswbtruck · 12-21-2009, 06:42 PM

The bushings can be a pain to put in, I have done this on three occasions. My advice is take them to a machine shop and get them pressed in. Soooooo much easier and well worth the time saved.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-21-2009, 08:51 PM

I have never had any trouble pressing the bushings in. Getting the bushings out can be painful. I either drill or torch the rubber out and then use an air chisel to split the remaining sleeve out of the spring.

Replacing the bushings in a 4x4 does wonders for the ride and noise so it is a good idea to replace them.

Jim

koolky · 12-27-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimKshortstep4x4

I have never had any trouble pressing the bushings in. Getting the bushings out can be painful. I either drill or torch the rubber out and then use an air chisel to split the remaining sleeve out of the spring.

Replacing the bushings in a 4x4 does wonders for the ride and noise so it is a good idea to replace them.

Jim

I did this today ^^^^. I had to press and burn out the old bushings. I used the air chisel with "the reversed V shape cutting chisel attachment" to cut the steel bushing in half before pushing it put. Than I just hammered the new bushings in. I used the Energy Suspension poly bushing set. Cost me about $110 CND shipped.

71 super · 12-22-2009, 12:14 AM

As Jim said, torch will do wonders for getting the old rubber out but stinks to high heaven you may need to use a press to get stubburn sleeves out. I replaced my bushings after paint with Poly on a work bench in about 30 minutes

Patsfan34 · 12-22-2009, 10:43 AM

Thanks alot guys. What can I expect when removing these leaf springs? Once unbolted are they going to come springing back and forth at my head?

71 super · 12-22-2009, 11:56 AM

Put a jack under them and gradually release the pressure on the spring with the jack after you remove the shackle bolts. They should not spring back, especially if it is a bare frame.

**bowtie72** · 12-22-2009, 12:22 PM

Definately replace. Off Road Design offers some real nice poly bushings that are easy to install. They also make them greaseable. ( I have these and really like them) Getting the old ones out you can drill the rubber bushing with a small drill bit several times from both sides to remove rubber then knock out. The sleeve can be removed with air chisel the easiest. Good Luck

Patsfan34 · 12-22-2009, 02:43 PM

Again, thanks alot guys! Happy Holidays!

Patsfan34 · 12-23-2009, 10:58 AM

A couple of you guys mentioned go with poly bushings? On another thread I read to go with rubber bushing for all the body mounts. Any reason why you guys prefer the poly bushings compared to rubber on the leaf springs?

Patsfan34 · 12-23-2009, 12:13 PM

Why is this moved and where is it moved to? This is the only forum where I get a significant amount of answeres and opinions to my threads. Can you please leave it posted in the original forum? Thanks, Patsy

LONGHAIR · 12-24-2009, 04:56 PM

The best reason that I can give you for using Poly bushings in the springs is that it is very simple. You can push them in by hand. Then all it takes is a few hammer blows to drive in the steel sleeve. The rubber bushings require "pressing" to get in.
The rubber ones are hard enough to get out, you don't want to fight them back in too.
If you don't have a press to get them out, simply torching will do it. Yes, is is smelly and sooty, but it does work. Heat the steel sleeve, not the rubber itself, it will slide out pretty easily. After the rubber is gone, you still have to deal deal with the outer sleeve. An air chisel is probably the easiest way here, but that torch and some hand chisel/hammer work will do it too.

After all of that, you will appreciate the simplicity of the Poly-bushing's installation.

**Dieselwrencher** · 12-24-2009, 05:14 PM

The poly bushings seem to last longer as well. I don't know why anyone would prefer the rubber mounts on the body unless they prefer the more flex on the body to frame compared to how there is almost none on the poly mounts. Also another trick to getting spring bushings out. Use a chisel and wedge it in between the rolled portion of the main leaf where it wraps around the bushing. You can put one on each side and this spreads out the bushing bore and aids in removal and installation.

Sub-versive · 12-24-2009, 05:26 PM

If you go poly use that sticky grease they sell for the poly bushings, use nitrile gloves and apply liberally. If you can swing it get the greasable version, after a while the grease works out and gets squeeky, this way it's easier then having to remove the dang things out to regrease.

Patsfan34 · 12-26-2009, 07:54 PM

If I did have access to a press then is the rubber bushings a better idea for the long term? Thanks

msgross · 12-27-2009, 12:20 AM

rubber breaks down and rots over time.. poly doesn't...

and ditto what longhorn said, PITA to get the sleeve out...

silver7 · 12-27-2009, 09:51 AM

Definitely use poly bushings. You can't go wrong ordering them from Superlift, Skyjacker or Tuff Country Suspensions. Summit Racing carries all of these.

I just replaced mine and had some difficulty getting the rear shackle bushings out because they had a metal sleeve which rusted to the shackle but with some creative thinking and a blow torch we were able to press them out. The other bushings came out with either a hydraulic press or by cutting the edges and hammering them out in my garage.

cobinder · 12-27-2009, 06:31 PM

Poly bushing last longer. But in the body mounts they are too stiff for a good ride

Patsfan34 · 12-27-2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobinder

Poly bushing last longer. But in the body mounts they are too stiff for a good ride

Now I'm picking up what people are putting down. Poly bushing in the leaf springs, rub bushings for the body mounts...AWESOME!

msgross · 12-27-2009, 08:10 PM

yep..

Patsfan34 · 12-29-2009, 07:34 PM

Awesome, thanks for the input!

Musclerodz · 12-29-2009, 08:47 PM

I installed a set of ORD greaseable bushings in a truck we just finished. Rides smooth but now the springs are free to move and could use stiffer shocks

Patsfan34 · 12-30-2009, 06:42 PM

Yeah, I haven't even thought about what shocks to use yet. But, thanks for the heads up!

Rack Man · 12-31-2009, 11:24 PM

Here's a simple trick to get the bushings out on nearly all leaf springs.... Most spring "eyes" have a little gap where the eye closes. You can open the your eyes by pounding in a screwdriver in that slot to act as a wedge. The eye will open enough that the bushing will tap out with ease. Then you can install the new bushing! Once the screwdriver is removed the eye will spring back to its original position, due to the elastic nature of leaf springs. Worked perfect for me when I changed them out!

RM

**Dieselwrencher** · 01-06-2010, 09:37 PM

That definitely helps. But if the metal sleeve is rusted to the spring it is still a PITA.

12-21-2009, 06:36 PM	#1
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? I'm getting close to finally having my frame sandblasted. I noticed while stripping parts off of the frame, some...actually most of the leaf spring bushing are cracked and dry rotted and I would assume they are the originals. I would also assume that if I'm supposed to change them I should wait until the frame is blasted and redone. What can I expect if I replace them. Any tricks I should know? Can anyone recommend a good aftermarket company? LMC trucks probably? The frame is a 68 GMC 4x4 SWB. Thanks, Patsy

12-21-2009, 06:42 PM	#2
72armyswbtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,033	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? The bushings can be a pain to put in, I have done this on three occasions. My advice is take them to a machine shop and get them pressed in. Soooooo much easier and well worth the time saved. __________________ "Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!"

12-21-2009, 08:51 PM	#3
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? I have never had any trouble pressing the bushings in. Getting the bushings out can be painful. I either drill or torch the rubber out and then use an air chisel to split the remaining sleeve out of the spring. Replacing the bushings in a 4x4 does wonders for the ride and noise so it is a good idea to replace them. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

12-22-2009, 12:14 AM	#5
71 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canton North carolina Posts: 3,080	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? As Jim said, torch will do wonders for getting the old rubber out but stinks to high heaven you may need to use a press to get stubburn sleeves out. I replaced my bushings after paint with Poly on a work bench in about 30 minutes __________________ 67 blue step side- bb 68 gold and white swb cst anniversary 68 custom swb hot rod Ls swap 69 swb cst 6 cylinder/ overdrive 69 black/black cst bb swb 70 orange and white cst Canada built truck swb bb 71 black and white super swb bb 71 red and white super swb 72 green and white super swb 4x4 62 nova wagon 400 series Ls swapped 68 Camaro 327/4 speed- 1 owner, original paint 66 Volkswagen bettle 69 auto stick Volkswagen Beetle

12-22-2009, 10:43 AM	#6
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? Thanks alot guys. What can I expect when removing these leaf springs? Once unbolted are they going to come springing back and forth at my head? Last edited by Patsfan34; 12-22-2009 at 10:43 AM.

12-22-2009, 11:56 AM	#7
71 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canton North carolina Posts: 3,080	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? Put a jack under them and gradually release the pressure on the spring with the jack after you remove the shackle bolts. They should not spring back, especially if it is a bare frame. __________________ 67 blue step side- bb 68 gold and white swb cst anniversary 68 custom swb hot rod Ls swap 69 swb cst 6 cylinder/ overdrive 69 black/black cst bb swb 70 orange and white cst Canada built truck swb bb 71 black and white super swb bb 71 red and white super swb 72 green and white super swb 4x4 62 nova wagon 400 series Ls swapped 68 Camaro 327/4 speed- 1 owner, original paint 66 Volkswagen bettle 69 auto stick Volkswagen Beetle

12-22-2009, 12:22 PM	#8
bowtie72 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 363	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? Definately replace. Off Road Design offers some real nice poly bushings that are easy to install. They also make them greaseable. ( I have these and really like them) Getting the old ones out you can drill the rubber bushing with a small drill bit several times from both sides to remove rubber then knock out. The sleeve can be removed with air chisel the easiest. Good Luck __________________ 1968 SWB "Little White Truck" 1972 LWB LS 4l80 "Plain Jane!!"

12-22-2009, 02:43 PM	#9
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? Again, thanks alot guys! Happy Holidays!

12-23-2009, 10:58 AM	#10
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? A couple of you guys mentioned go with poly bushings? On another thread I read to go with rubber bushing for all the body mounts. Any reason why you guys prefer the poly bushings compared to rubber on the leaf springs? Last edited by Patsfan34; 12-23-2009 at 11:01 AM.

12-23-2009, 12:13 PM	#11
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? Why is this moved and where is it moved to? This is the only forum where I get a significant amount of answeres and opinions to my threads. Can you please leave it posted in the original forum? Thanks, Patsy

12-24-2009, 05:14 PM	#13
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? The poly bushings seem to last longer as well. I don't know why anyone would prefer the rubber mounts on the body unless they prefer the more flex on the body to frame compared to how there is almost none on the poly mounts. Also another trick to getting spring bushings out. Use a chisel and wedge it in between the rolled portion of the main leaf where it wraps around the bushing. You can put one on each side and this spreads out the bushing bore and aids in removal and installation. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.* Last edited by Dieselwrencher; 12-24-2009 at 05:15 PM.

12-24-2009, 05:26 PM	#14
Sub-versive Boss Hogg Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: The Beaver State Posts: 2,361	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? If you go poly use that sticky grease they sell for the poly bushings, use nitrile gloves and apply liberally. If you can swing it get the greasable version, after a while the grease works out and gets squeeky, this way it's easier then having to remove the dang things out to regrease.

12-26-2009, 07:54 PM	#15
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? If I did have access to a press then is the rubber bushings a better idea for the long term? Thanks

12-27-2009, 12:20 AM	#16
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? rubber breaks down and rots over time.. poly doesn't... and ditto what longhorn said, PITA to get the sleeve out... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer" Last edited by msgross; 12-27-2009 at 12:22 AM.

12-27-2009, 09:51 AM	#17
silver7 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: High Point, NC Posts: 613	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? Definitely use poly bushings. You can't go wrong ordering them from Superlift, Skyjacker or Tuff Country Suspensions. Summit Racing carries all of these. I just replaced mine and had some difficulty getting the rear shackle bushings out because they had a metal sleeve which rusted to the shackle but with some creative thinking and a blow torch we were able to press them out. The other bushings came out with either a hydraulic press or by cutting the edges and hammering them out in my garage. __________________ Shawn 1971 C10 4x4



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12-27-2009, 06:31 PM	#18
cobinder Everything is work in progress Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 326	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? Poly bushing last longer. But in the body mounts they are too stiff for a good ride __________________ Good luck with your truck! How much?! It's just an old truck part!! 49 International on a 80 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 chassis 48 International KB-5 2 ton dump bed 04 Honda CRF "500" 09 Honda CRF450 fuel injected rocket 03 Suzuki hayabusa carbonfiber wheeled monster. 02 Ford diesel stretch van (toy hauler) 01 38' Monaco diesel pusher motorhome

12-27-2009, 08:10 PM	#20
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? yep.. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

12-29-2009, 07:34 PM	#21
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? Awesome, thanks for the input!

12-29-2009, 08:47 PM	#22
Musclerodz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 2,364	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? I installed a set of ORD greaseable bushings in a truck we just finished. Rides smooth but now the springs are free to move and could use stiffer shocks __________________ Mike Redpath

12-30-2009, 06:42 PM	#23
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? Yeah, I haven't even thought about what shocks to use yet. But, thanks for the heads up!

12-31-2009, 11:24 PM	#24
Rack Man Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 770	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? Here's a simple trick to get the bushings out on nearly all leaf springs.... Most spring "eyes" have a little gap where the eye closes. You can open the your eyes by pounding in a screwdriver in that slot to act as a wedge. The eye will open enough that the bushing will tap out with ease. Then you can install the new bushing! Once the screwdriver is removed the eye will spring back to its original position, due to the elastic nature of leaf springs. Worked perfect for me when I changed them out! RM __________________ My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=309288 Last edited by Rack Man; 01-01-2010 at 11:56 AM.

01-06-2010, 09:37 PM	#25
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Change leaf spring bushing...good idea or don't do it? That definitely helps. But if the metal sleeve is rusted to the spring it is still a PITA. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

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