Replacement Body Bushings

[underliner6]

I am in the process of replacing the body bushings on my 72. I have succesfully replaced all of the bushings except for the rear two by jacking up the body from the rockers.

What is the best place to jack up the rear to access the two bushings next to the gas tank? I'm worried that if I jack it from the bottom of the tailgate, even with a piece of 2x4 under it, it's going to put too much stress on the tailgate.

What my best option here?

Jim

[TonyJohnson]

Good question. I'm getting ready to do mine and will listen, as well.

[skorpioskorpio]

There is a heavy bolt on bed support, as long as you still have rear wells in place you should be fine with that one. When I stripped mine I used that support to hold up the body while I dropped the frame out from underneath.

[underliner6]

Originally Posted by skorpioskorpio

There is a heavy bolt on bed support, as long as you still have rear wells in place you should be fine with that one. When I stripped mine I used that support to hold up the body while I dropped the frame out from underneath.

I will take a look for this bed support your talking about. Thanks!

[Chulisohombre]

I used a scissor jack between the rear body and frame just in front of the gas tank.

[Moreyel]

Are most of you using the neoprene or rubber?

[Chulisohombre]

Polyurethane

[Moreyel]

Yeah, that's what I meant. Thanks Chulisohombre

[Chulisohombre]

No problem. Neoprene is to keep you warm. Lol

[underliner6]

The mounts I put on are polyurethane. I never want to replace these again in my life time unless I do a frame off. I got mine from synergy suspension and its a nice kit.

[Moreyel]

Wow. That's encouraging. I'm not doing a frame off!

[skorpioskorpio]

Originally Posted by underliner6

I got mine from synergy suspension and its a nice kit.

Synergy or Energy?

[Chulisohombre]

The poly will last forever so that's why I did mine that way as well. I also
Wanted a more solid feel to The truck. I won't ever be pulling these off again either if I can help it. Put in coated hardware so rust can't eat away the bolts through the sleeves in the body this time too. Was a pain to get out the originals. I'm pretty sure mine are energy suspension. I used them to replace my front shackle bushings as well.

[bumperjack]

I have been planning to do this and I think I have two options that should work depending on equipment available.

1: Install eye bolts in the rear corners with a backing plate under for more strength, using a chain and a cherry picker lift the rear and support with stands. I am a little concerned the eye bolts will bend the bed when lifted even with the plates so either use a long piece of thick walled square tubing or if you plan on removing the bolts (I want to leave them in for tie downs) mount them in the center then fill holes when finished. Use jack stands to support the tub while replacing for safety!

2: Raise the rear and support the body only with tall jack stands, place them on the bed bracing or on something else structural (NOT the tailgate or bedside sheet metal), lowering the vehicle onto another set of stands should allow you to remove the jack to replace the bushings safely.

[underliner6]

Originally Posted by skorpioskorpio

Synergy or Energy?

Correction: energy suspension

[Senorx]

I also ordered the Energy Suspension kit. Hopefully be tackling this job in a couple of weeks.

[Chulisohombre]

I Just used a scissor jack Between The body and frame and replaced them one at a time. The front ones under the radiator support were the hardest. Had to pull the front clip and lift the support to get those bushings. Had to use a couple lift straps and a two by four to hold it up to get it apart. Also in the rear four bolts they are spot welded to the body so have to be grinded off and I just used a sawzall to get the nuts off of they break. Then had to use a air chisel and sledge to pop them back Through the body since they are usually rusted together.

[Senorx]

Can u post a pic of the scissor jack you used?

Did everybody install the bushings with the top on or off?

[Chulisohombre]

I used just the regular type of jack that every car has in the trunk to change a tire. The body only has to be lifted Off enough to get the old ones out and install the new bushings. Most kits come with new bolts but I used the original ones for the bushings under the front floorboards as the stock ones were much bigger and stronger than what Was in the kit. But the rest of them I used as they were coated for rust protection. I did one at a time just moving down from front to back. All have to Be loosened up first as well but I didn't have much left of my bushings so that didn't really Matter. The back four were the second worst because of the taipan, bumper, and gas tank. Plus just the years of rust had corroded everything. There was no rubber left at all on the tailgate far rear ones so my trucks body was flipping around when I took corners sharply. Kinda scary.

[Senorx]

I'm just buying all new bolts. I guess I'm expecting the worst and having to cut my bolts off due to rust. My Energy Suspension didn't come with the bolts. Anybody have a source for the bolts?

[TonyJohnson]

Originally Posted by Senorx

I'm just buying all new bolts. I guess I'm expecting the worst and having to cut my bolts off due to rust. My Energy Suspension didn't come with the bolts. Anybody have a source for the bolts?

You can use the parts list and pics in the LMC catalog to get sizes, then just source at a hardware store. Make sure you get the right grade...

[Senorx]

What's the usual grade and what is overkill grade bolts?

[underliner6]

Originally Posted by Senorx

Can u post a pic of the scissor jack you used?

Did everybody install the bushings with the top on or off?

I kept my top on for the process. Even with the top in, my door alignment is now off and my doors don't like to close easily. The fun of the job!

[Senorx]

Originally Posted by underliner6

I kept my top on for the process. Even with the top in, my door alignment is now off and my doors don't like to close easily. The fun of the job!

That's what scares me. My doors close great and are aligned.

[skorpioskorpio]

Bear in mind the original bolts are tack welded in.