Need Tips on Replacing Rear Suspension Bushings

[vping]

I am going to replace all of the rear suspension bushings with urethane. I have new shackles and front & rear leaf spring bushings which I purchased with a new whole car kit. I also have new urethane U-bolt bushings.

Questions are:

Do I need to replace the Ubolts?

What is the best approach to replacing all said bushings in the rear?

 

[Steve_S]

If the U-bolt nuts aren't rusted on then there's no reason to replace the U-bolts. If they are rusted, they will probably break as you try to remove them.

You will need a large press to remove and install the front eye bushings. I use a local machine shop for this and they hate doing it. The job is really a pain because it's difficult to hold the bushing straight and to not damage it on the way in.

The rest of the bushings are a piece of cake.

 

[vping]

Fudge. I was hoping to keep this in house. No chance huh?

 

[Steve_S]

There's always a chance, but it won't be easy.

 

[Stewart]

If the urathane bushings are 2 piece you should have no problem with a home install. However you will need to have the old bushings pressed out. It shouldnt take a machine shop more than 5 min to get both out.

 

[vping]

Which means the spring has to be completely out of the car?

I think it is a one piece. If I have an arbor press, can I do it myself. My shop has a small one that I can use for this.

 

[SAustin]

Vince,

I helped a oouple of friends this past summer rebuild their suspensions. Both guys had the complete urethane set to go in including the leaf-spring front bushings.

When it came down to it, we burned them out. Didn't even mark the driveway (and it was my driveway!). Just used a propane torch to get them going. As they broke apart, we just poked out the rubber. Gave the eyes a good cleaning and the new bushes went right in.

Cheers
Simon

 

[Steve_S]

If the front eye bushings are 2-piece then they will go in easily. If they are one-piece, they will require a LOT of pressure and care must be taken to protect the lip.