Q on reinstalling leaf springs

[fredico]

Went to LMC for replacement front bushings and such for my 71 k5 blazer. Pulled the front springs, no problem. removed all old bushings and replaced all spring eye bushings. no problem. Went to put the springs back in and ugh can't seem to get them back into the front hanger. There's got to be a method that makes it happen. I can tell you that a mallet don't work. Got to thinking about it and does a tool to spread the the hanger sides exist? All I've got are hand tools underneath a tree. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

[turp mcspray]

On my skyjacker springs, I had to shave the bushings down a touch to fit in the hangers. Are yours rubber or urethane?

[2003 silverado]

Grease them up and HIT IT Just kidding

[mcmlxix]

not sure.. but a threaded rod with a few wahers and bolts can make a spreader to open the hanger... it depends on the amount of space needed...

[fredico]

The shackle bushings are rubber. The name for the hanger sides is the 'metal cusp'. Wouldn't have guessed it in a million years. The front Raybestos #576-3347B, spring eye bushing has the metal center w/teeth. It will give a good bite if I ever get it installed. Thanks for the tip with the threaded rod.

[SeventyOne]

Mine were extremely tight also. I got it close and BFH'ed them into place...I dont know if shaving down the bushing is the best idea since it could promote slop and premature wear.

[fredico]

Update: took half inch all thread rod along with #8 flat washers and nuts and wouldn't you know bent the rod. Must be off brand iron. Next step is to try McMaster Carr for harden half inch all thread rod. These challenges are all about finding a workable solution. There will come a day when the garage is built and I have use of my air tools once again. :-)

[navysnipe]

I modified a steering wheel puller to spread the mounts appart a little bit and I also had to shave off the bushing a little bit with a grinder to get the new ones to fit my 72 k20. The new bushings had a sort of perforation or teeth molded into the metal center part I had to grind some of that off to get it to go into the hangars. I definitely was not going to try and get different bushings the new ones were a son of a B#$^* to get in.

Navysnipe

[turp mcspray]

I just shaved enough off so they would fit, not enough so they were loose. My were urethane, so it was the easiest fix.

[fredico]

Update: Got the 1/2" harden #8 all thread rod. Good thing I got a 3' piece because as before I bent the rod. Tried again but with a little different approach and this time success. I tighten on the all thread then used a BFH (not really big) a 64oz. ball peen and hit the lessor supported hanger side at the very bottom several times, back to tightening on the all thread, back to hitting it with the BFH etc. until I got a total spread of 3 3/4". Took a little longer using this approach but the spring eye bushing and its center sleeve teeth will get a real good bite. Many thanks for all the advise.

[elzombo]

I've heard about putting them into the freezer overnight. Then take them out and see if that'll work.