Leaf Spring Bushing Removal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gator2511 · 01-21-2007, 10:04 PM

I just ordered new bushings for my front of the front leaf spring eyes and all of the rear spring eyes. The service manual says to use a press to remove and install the bushings. I don't have one but I do have a bench vise that opens up to 6" between jaws and I am wondering if that is enough to get the job done. What do you guys use for this and are they really that tough to change?

**N2TRUX** · 01-22-2007, 01:15 AM

If you have access to a cutting torch, burn the old ones out. It's nasty and stinks up the shop, but that's how I have seen the pros do it.

*Ozona* · 01-22-2007, 08:22 AM

Just getting the leaf springs off my '72 has been difficult. Curious what tips you get, I'm at this step too.

gator2511 · 01-22-2007, 09:23 PM

I just added a lift block to the rear springs (1 1/2") and had to get new u bolts made locally. I'm hoping I can re use them when I pull the springs off. I have a buddy that has a big hydraulic press that I can use if need be. Just wondering if they are that tough to get out. I guess they must be.

cdowns · 01-22-2007, 10:02 PM

burning them out is a easy way //you can use the vise or a c-clamp to install them // they'll go in a bit easier if you put them in the freezer overnight then a light coat of silicone grease

**N2TRUX** · 01-22-2007, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

burning them out is a easy way //you can use the vise or a c-clamp to install them // they'll go in a bit easier if you put them in the freezer overnight then a light coat of silicone grease

Yup. that's what my bro-in-law does. Even though he has a huge press, he burns the old out, and presses the new ones in. Freezing them helps too...

gator2511 · 01-23-2007, 07:56 AM

All right! That sounds like the info I need. Thanks.

DESTRO · 01-30-2007, 06:02 AM

Any tips on removing them with the springs on the truck and no torch??
[man I know this jobs gonna suck!!]

rodnok1 · 01-30-2007, 07:17 PM

I drill the rubber out and chisel the rest out if I don't have a torch handy or can't use one. Use a bit small enough to fit between bushing and spring, drill all around the bushing. If you have to re-use the bushing be a little carefull to not muck it up. Usually you can use a small chisel to get more rubber out then wack the bushing out and clean up the rest. I'll do this sometimes if I don't wanna smell the burnt rubber.

01-21-2007, 10:04 PM	#1
gator2511 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: tampa florida Posts: 776	Leaf Spring Bushing Removal I just ordered new bushings for my front of the front leaf spring eyes and all of the rear spring eyes. The service manual says to use a press to remove and install the bushings. I don't have one but I do have a bench vise that opens up to 6" between jaws and I am wondering if that is enough to get the job done. What do you guys use for this and are they really that tough to change?

01-22-2007, 01:15 AM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Leaf Spring Bushing Removal If you have access to a cutting torch, burn the old ones out. It's nasty and stinks up the shop, but that's how I have seen the pros do it. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

01-22-2007, 08:22 AM	#3
Ozona Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 155	Re: Leaf Spring Bushing Removal Just getting the leaf springs off my '72 has been difficult. Curious what tips you get, I'm at this step too.

01-22-2007, 09:23 PM	#4
gator2511 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: tampa florida Posts: 776	Re: Leaf Spring Bushing Removal I just added a lift block to the rear springs (1 1/2") and had to get new u bolts made locally. I'm hoping I can re use them when I pull the springs off. I have a buddy that has a big hydraulic press that I can use if need be. Just wondering if they are that tough to get out. I guess they must be.

01-22-2007, 10:02 PM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Leaf Spring Bushing Removal burning them out is a easy way //you can use the vise or a c-clamp to install them // they'll go in a bit easier if you put them in the freezer overnight then a light coat of silicone grease __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-23-2007, 07:56 AM	#7
gator2511 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: tampa florida Posts: 776	Re: Leaf Spring Bushing Removal All right! That sounds like the info I need. Thanks.

01-30-2007, 06:02 AM	#8
DESTRO Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buckeye state Posts: 168	Re: Leaf Spring Bushing Removal Any tips on removing them with the springs on the truck and no torch?? [man I know this jobs gonna suck!!]

01-30-2007, 07:17 PM	#9
rodnok1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Linden, North Carolina Posts: 617	Re: Leaf Spring Bushing Removal I drill the rubber out and chisel the rest out if I don't have a torch handy or can't use one. Use a bit small enough to fit between bushing and spring, drill all around the bushing. If you have to re-use the bushing be a little carefull to not muck it up. Usually you can use a small chisel to get more rubber out then wack the bushing out and clean up the rest. I'll do this sometimes if I don't wanna smell the burnt rubber. __________________ 64 Panel Rebuild Pics Clutch Replacement and Borg Warner T10 Trans Rebuild 64 Panel 1/2 Ton 350cubes/400hp BorgWarner t-10 3:73 Auburn Posi



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