55.2-59 Need help with bushings

[mikeyptv]

I’ve got a ‘57 panel that is in serious need of new rubbers throught the entire chassis. I’m perfectly happy to stick with a rubber bushing, it’s stock chassis by no means a hi-po vehicle, despite a healthy small block.

The trouble is I’m not finding any direct fit bushing kits from parts stores or even direct from energy. Who knows of any? Or is this a get measurements and select part numbers kind of situation?

It seems simple enough of a need that I’ve got to be missing something obvious. I’ll also take and recommendations on replacement shocks. Thanks in advance!

[Getter-Done]

Is this what your looking for?

1955-1959 Front and Rear Spring Shackles Also 1947-55 Front 1 1 1/2 and 2 Ton Chevrolet and GMC Pickup

Link: https://oldchevytrucks.com/1955-1959..._list_limit=30

[mikeyptv]

Thanks, yes and no! Maybe they’re just pictures (doubtful) but I’m still not seeing the rubber isolators that press into the leaf spring eyelets.

[Hcb3200]

https://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.co...57cmpc0583.htm.

parts manual above

front bushing is 3717034
this may help you find the combination you are looking for.
Or check with your local spring shop they can measure or look it up for you. May even have some in stock. Seen it happen before.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by mikeyptv

Thanks, yes and no! Maybe they’re just pictures (doubtful) but I’m still not seeing the rubber isolators that press into the leaf spring eyelets.

You don't get rubber isolators These trucks didn't use rubber bushings. Also rubber bushings cannot be retrofitted.

You buy the kits with the brass bushings and new pins.

I'm not finding the front bushing and pin for the rear springs at the moment.

[dsraven]

if the truck has stock stuff under it then there would be no rubber bushings, just some rubber washers at the end of each bushing sitting next to the shackle or the frame mount. see the pic from mr48.
a couple of pics would help i suppose, it would show if what you have is stock or not. who knows what may have been upgraded over the years,

[burnin oil]

I found rubber bushings for the front of my 57 GMC 250. I had to take measurements then look for something close. I needed to trim them in the center to but together though. Original application was for a 70s dodge car, thinking a dart. I had to order them online as the parts store (a really good one) couldn't find them. They were the smaller size so I am assuming the lighter suspension from a 6 cylinder car.

[dsraven]

bottom of page, post 2 link, grease seals. is that what you mean?

[mr48chev]

Those Spring shackle grease seals are the rubber that you see in the shot of the complete shackle assembly.

[dsraven]

if you looked, and you seen rubber at the end of each spring eyelet, you may have been looking at the grease seals at the ends of the spring bushings. a pic or two would be really nice for us to see.

[mr48chev]

The only real problem with metal bushings is that too many guys don't grease them often enough. Us over 70 guys grew up learning that you greased your chassis every 1000 miles but a lot of the rigs made in the last 40 years don't have a grease fitting one on them.

[_Ogre]

The bushings are pressed in and bushings and springs are threaded. Press in bushing and thread in the pin, the threads keep the springs centered in the shackles. The threads make it easy to remove the bushings, screw partially out and hammer it out. Heat will help.

[mikeyptv]

These replies were insanely helpful, thank all! I see now that what I thought were bushings were actually grease seals, but regardless they all need replacing, and there are definitely a broken bolt or two.

[dsraven]

once you get to taking it apart you'll see how it all fits together. like mr48 says, grease it often, as well as the rest of the chassis and suspension.
for replacement shocks, first ensure the shock mounting brackets are up to the task. the rear upper mounts have a habit of becoming loose at the rivets and the front frame brackets have a habit of getting some pretty bad rust behind them so the metal of the bracket can get pretty thin. otherwise, depending on the ride quality you like, choose a decent quality shock with an actual brand lbel attached. try rockauto for a pretty good price and options. they may also have the required spring pins and bushings set.

[mr48chev]

Even if you don't order from Rock auto you can get parts numbers to hunt for locally or on the net. I've bought a lot of chassis parts from them though.