Score: Leaf Springs: 1, Me: 0 Bushing/Shell questions for you guys.

[Ozona]

I've been in the process of rebuilding the suspension on my 1972 GMC Seirra 1500. It has a leaf rear, and I successfully removed the stock leaf springs / shackles. It was a nightmare, but I got them out without hurting the truck... or me. I think the dog learned a few new words.

With the leaf springs out, I now need to get the old bushings out of them...and the new ones in. I used a propane torch to burn out the rubber on the old ones..and that got rid of the rubber and the center. That leaves behind the bearing shells. How do I get those suckers out of there without getting new leafsprings? I'd really like to keep the stock leafs, there's nothing wrong with them. I just can't figure out how to get the bearing shells out.

How do you guys do it?

[skchevota]

cutting torch, focus your flame on the edge of the shell, when it starts to glow cut it sraight down, thw shell will cut long before you heat the spring to hot. If you dont have a torch you can use an air chissle.

[ckhd]

skchevota is absolutely right, a cutting torch is your answer. Blue flame the suckers. If you don't have a blue flame, rent one. I tried the air-chisel route and it was exremely frustrating, and I couldn't get it to work.

What I did was torch them right down the gap where the spring rolls back on it's self. Don't dilly-dally, get it cut quick so you don't risk doing damage to the spring. Once I had the shell cut, I used an old screwdriver to curl the shell into itself (roll it tighter) to make it small enough I could take it out of the eye. I did all four springs on my suburban that way.

[GMCMAX]

if you don't have a torch, a sawsall works well; cut through the shell and use a hammer and chisel to roll it in.

[69TowRig]

Originally Posted by GMCMAX

if you don't have a torch, a sawsall works well; cut through the shell and use a hammer and chisel to roll it in.

I've used that method before with good success.

[Ozona]

Awesome. Thanks guys. I don't have a torch (yet) - I've been putting those pennies away though..sometime soon. I do have a sawzall and metal blades handy, so I'm going to go that route.

Thanks for all the tips, you guys rock!!