Installing new rear spring bushings.

Now that I have my gas tank out I'm going to replace the bolts and bushings on my rear springs.

Anything I need to know before I do this?
What's the best procedure?
Any short cuts?

Thanks

 

Those bushing can be a bugger sometimes. You may have to drill out the old bushing rubber to remove the inner metal sleeve then cut the outer sleeve with a hack saw blade inserted through the spring eye. A torch would also make quick work of the old bushings. Press the new ones in with a large C clamp or ball joint press. A big hammer would work if you have the springs out of the rig.

 

Man, that sounds like fun....fire, big hammers, c clamps, hack saws. I'll revise my progress schedule now that I know what I'm about to tackle

How about tension on the springs? When I pop out the bolts will the springs spring open or are they relaxed with weight off them?

 

They'll be pretty relaxed once the weight is off.

 

Good, I don't want to get injured before I get to use all those implements of destruction on the bushings.

 

If you have an air compressor you can also use a pointed air chisel to drive out the bushing and outer steel sleeve...it's kind fun to watch it fly out the other side.

 

Here's a trick that makes installing the new ones much easier. Drive a flat-bladed screwdriver into the spring eye as a wedge to open it up slightly. It will make the new bushing slide in soooooooo much easier. Once the new bushing is in, pull out the screwdriver and the spring eye will close back up tight around the new bushing.

Removing the old bushing is a MAJOR PITA! You will be at your wits end by the time you get it done.

 

Pathkiller was right. Oh yeah, it's a PITA. Here I felt so cool, got the bolts off- easy with impact wrench. Springs didn't kill me. Got the rubber out with heat, stinks but not too bad. THEN ....OMG those outer metal sleeves are welded in! I got one off after about 30 minutes of abuse. Tried the hacksaw and it ain't easy but I think it will be the best way. I tried the air chisel per Norm but I don't have the right tool and they wont budge. I will say that beating everything really loosened a lot of dirt hidden under the body. I can't wait to do some more tomorrow.

Only good this is that they were really worn out. One was virtually gone. It's still a PITA.

 

If you have the spring off the jeep, I have used a deep socket the size of the sleeve, placed the spring on a piece of wood and used a big hammer and pounded the sleeves out, then pryed the bushings out with a screwdriver.

 

if you have saw's all with a metal blade it's pretty fast. I have cut a wedge out using this method and then they pop right out. Just have to be carefull not to cut to much.

 

Ahhhh....the memories, the bloody knuckles, the cussing, the throwing of tools across the garage, and finally the relief and feeling of ultimate victory when the outer bushing finally...finally, comes free.

 

You have it mostly right Norm, I do have one bruised knuckle but didn't throw any tools. Man, that was hard. I only did the back but learned enough that the front will be quicker. I can tell you that I found the Dphillip's hacksaw method is the best way I found to get those outer shells out of the hanger/spring. I tried beating them out with various implements but the "fastest" way is to make one cut through the shell. You can then drive it out, it's still not easy but at least it moves a little bit when you hammer it.

BTW all the busings were worn out to the point of wearing on the bolt and a couple had partially worn through the outer shell (which did not come out any easier) so all the blood,sweat and bruises should be worth it.

Man, my knuckle hurts when I type

 

Getting ready to do that on the CJ-6. Son-in-law will be doing it. I have been there before so I will watch.

 

Smart man Walt, it's a good test of character for the SIL.

 

ive got a killer air chisel with a wide chisel and took me about 5 min each...

 

The first problem with doing mine was the bolts rusted to the sleeves. Actually bent the right front spring hanger trying to drive the bolt out with a hammer and punch.
Got mad and built a pin pusher out of an 8 ton bottle jack. Really just like a small portable shop press that could bring the thunder. No fire required.

 

I did all four at once, or in one day that is. Mine were worn so badly that the tube that the bolt went through to hold the shackle bolt was curled around the ends and distorted. I ended up using a hacksaw to cut the length of the tube and then chiseled up one side to sort of curl itself into itself.

Remember to save some knuckles for the other side!