Front leaf spring shackle bushing problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

keanevann · 02-21-2013, 12:39 AM

Its been a long time since I posted on here so first I would like to say hello to everyone again. I bought a new set of front shackle bushings for my 4x4. The metal rod seems to be the right length but the bushing is way too wide. They meet up good on the inside of the frame piece. The heads of the bushing stick way too far out though. Should I just "Squish" the heads or trim them to be the right thickness? Anyone had this problem? If so what did you do? I bought the bushings from LMC.

midniteblues · 02-21-2013, 09:21 AM

wow that is a big differance.
I did some camaro bushings once and had the same problem I cut them down but then they kinda looked like crap
other than that I dont have any suggestions for you except lmc

it seems too me that they sell some parts for a differnt kind of 67-72

**29od1** · 02-21-2013, 09:31 AM

I put energy suspension bushings on my 4x4 Blazer and they looked like about 1/2 that thickness sticking out, those must be the wrong ones? I think you'd be ok trimming the outside down to the length of the steel bushing.

cffisher · 02-21-2013, 09:46 AM

I have trimed them before with no problems. If your woried about how the trimed end will look put the trimed end inside.

burnin oil · 02-21-2013, 09:48 AM

How much wider are they than the mount is the real question? If they are only slightly wider I would make them fit. I just replaced all the leafs under my truck. All were tight fitting in the mount and took a little work to get them in. With the bushings a little tight in the mount it should make for a more stable ride as the spring cant move around.

BLAZERMAN · 02-21-2013, 10:32 AM

Those are leaf spring bushings, probably for some type of lift kit springs...the upper spring hanger bushings will not have a shoulder at all. If you do trim them each half of the bushings will need to be trimmed equally
Posted via Mobile Device

burnin oil · 02-21-2013, 10:54 AM

Crap ignore my post. I was thinking of the other end of the spring. Guess I need to drink more coffee this AM.

fun in dirt · 02-21-2013, 03:21 PM

I bought a set & they were the same way...I just trimmed them down.

keanevann · 02-22-2013, 11:45 AM

Thanks for the help everyone. I just thought I'd ask before I started cutting. Sometimes I get a little "cut happy" and then regret it later.

02-21-2013, 12:39 AM	#1
keanevann Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 88	Front leaf spring shackle bushing problem Its been a long time since I posted on here so first I would like to say hello to everyone again. I bought a new set of front shackle bushings for my 4x4. The metal rod seems to be the right length but the bushing is way too wide. They meet up good on the inside of the frame piece. The heads of the bushing stick way too far out though. Should I just "Squish" the heads or trim them to be the right thickness? Anyone had this problem? If so what did you do? I bought the bushings from LMC. Attached Images

02-21-2013, 09:21 AM	#2
midniteblues Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: strausstown pa Posts: 3,394	Re: Front leaf spring shackle bushing problem wow that is a big differance. I did some camaro bushings once and had the same problem I cut them down but then they kinda looked like crap other than that I dont have any suggestions for you except lmc it seems too me that they sell some parts for a differnt kind of 67-72 __________________ 81 camaro 355 4/spd 342 posi my first love. 67 swb step 454/4spd ott 373 posi 4/7 drop. 2000 s10 zr2 little blue truck that never gets stuck. '74 heald super bronc vt8. tecumseh powered moon rover.

02-21-2013, 09:31 AM	#3
29od1 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 1,050	Re: Front leaf spring shackle bushing problem I put energy suspension bushings on my 4x4 Blazer and they looked like about 1/2 that thickness sticking out, those must be the wrong ones? I think you'd be ok trimming the outside down to the length of the steel bushing.

02-21-2013, 09:46 AM	#4
cffisher Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Constantine , Michigan Posts: 39	Re: Front leaf spring shackle bushing problem I have trimed them before with no problems. If your woried about how the trimed end will look put the trimed end inside.

02-21-2013, 09:48 AM	#5
burnin oil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Eastern TN Posts: 1,921	Re: Front leaf spring shackle bushing problem How much wider are they than the mount is the real question? If they are only slightly wider I would make them fit. I just replaced all the leafs under my truck. All were tight fitting in the mount and took a little work to get them in. With the bushings a little tight in the mount it should make for a more stable ride as the spring cant move around.

02-21-2013, 10:32 AM	#6
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,826	Re: Front leaf spring shackle bushing problem Those are leaf spring bushings, probably for some type of lift kit springs...the upper spring hanger bushings will not have a shoulder at all. If you do trim them each half of the bushings will need to be trimmed equally Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

02-21-2013, 10:54 AM	#7
burnin oil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Eastern TN Posts: 1,921	Re: Front leaf spring shackle bushing problem Crap ignore my post. I was thinking of the other end of the spring. Guess I need to drink more coffee this AM.

02-21-2013, 03:21 PM	#8
fun in dirt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,119	Re: Front leaf spring shackle bushing problem I bought a set & they were the same way...I just trimmed them down. __________________ '72 C to K20 "Cannibalizer" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32#post8653432 '85 K30 "Big Nassy" '06 3500 Duramax ...tow truck '06 Silverado SS...DD '06 C1500 WT...DD '07 Classic C1500 WT...DD Built & sold cause can't keep 'em all: '72 Blazer "The Bucket" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433190 '55 Chevy straight axle gasser https://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173938 '69 Pro Street Chevelle http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332541 '86 M1031 CUCV http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=553619

02-22-2013, 11:45 AM	#9
keanevann Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 88	Re: Front leaf spring shackle bushing problem Thanks for the help everyone. I just thought I'd ask before I started cutting. Sometimes I get a little "cut happy" and then regret it later.



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