Spitfire Changing leaf spring bushing - any tips?

[Bruce100]

Hi all,

Had my rear axles rebuilt, am installing them in 69 Mk3 Spitfire. am replacing bushings while I am at it. I tried to drive out the leaf spring bushing (part 11 https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=116144 ) with a hammer and deep socket. It moves about 1/8 inch and then won't budge. I am thinking about making a puller out of a long bolt and a piece of pipe. Any tips before I go that route?

 

[Trevor Triumph]

Some Kroil might help. I had to drill the bushings out on my Spitfires. The rubber is old and there is rust. I drilled several small holes through the rubber between the metal and the spring. Then made a puller using a socket and a bolt. I could not get the bushing out in one piece.

T.T.

 

[Bruce100]

Woohoo.... Just finished changing the bushing. Basically drilled out the rubber as suggested, removed the inner bushing. Drove out the outer bushing with an 11/16 deep socket that was just the right size. Cleaned up the rust with a dremel tool sandpaper wheel. Put anti seize on it, and pressed it in using a C Clamp. Took me 4 hours, but got it done!!

 

[Trevor Triumph]

On more than one occasion rust, corrosion, and age (mine and the parts I'm working on) have turned a what appears to be a "two hour job" into an entire week end. Good for you. Back on the road soon?!

T.T.

 

[Bruce100]

On vacation this week. Tomorrow I am going to finish painting the radius arms, put the brake bits back on the axle, hopefully put the Spit back on the road for a day. Then I will do the other axle over the weekend (I hope..)

 

[Bruce100]

finished the drivers side today and took it for a test drive, my thunk is gone. nice to be back on the road again. Thanks Trevor for the drill out tip

 

[Trevor Triumph]

You're welcome. Enjoy the drive.