Spring eye bushing replacement

[1970 Hi-Boy]

Does anybody out there in old Ford truck land, know of a way to change spring eye bushings, without full removal of the spring and using a press (spring still mounted in truck)? The rear bushings in my front springs are both goners. I don't mind taking the springs out and having the bushings pressed in, but would seem foolish to do, if not really necessary. I've already purchased the replacements, so am not in need of a parts source, just a little bit of technical support. Thank you in advance, for anyone having knowledge on this subject.

[hazelnut]

Ive seen where others have made a rig from 2 pieces of steel pipe, one is the same OD as the bushing or little smaller the other piece ID is bigger than the bushing and close to same size as the spring. weld a thick washer on one end of the pipes, weld the inside of a nut on to a piece of all thread. Put it together so it will push out the bushing useing a impact gun. Hopefully that makes since LOL

[sargentrs]

I had no luck at all with the "threaded rod and nut" trick on mine.  I used my air chisel and sliced down the inside then put the punch tool in and started folding it in.  After about 10 mins worth of messing with it, they pushed on out.  You can see pics in my project thread in my sig, page 2.  If you get the Energy Suspension bushings, you don't need to replace the sleeves, they fit into the open eye.

[1970 Hi-Boy]

I'm thinking on the bolt and impact idea, not worried so much about getting them out, as putting the new ones in, I have already purchased OE style replacements. The rubber is completely gone in both and the bolt is seized in its sleeve, so thinking a cutting torch will be needed for disassembly, as long as I do not get the spring hot, I figure I should be OK with it. My little thinker is working on it now .

[72BahamaBlue]

On mine, the inner sleeve on the bushings for the rear springs had little nubs, wore a deep groove nearly through the hanger.
That was an interesting repair...be sure to check the frame mounted hangers, I hope yours are okay!

[sargentrs]

Ouch!  Good luck with that.  Let us know how it comes out.  This'll be a good one for future reference.

[1970 Hi-Boy]

Hangers looked good when I initially tried to take apart. Thought my 1970 Ford shop manual would give a clue, only goes over spring change. Must be covered by an earlier year book. Hatching a plan to make up an installation tool, just working out the details. Will update later.

[72BahamaBlue]

Ouch!  Good luck with that.  Let us know how it comes out.  This'll be a good one for future reference.

(I don't know if that was aimed at me, at the risk of barging in here...just want to share something to look out for.)

I should clarify, the Flexomatic setup on my F250, of the 3 bushings, it was the bushing that fit into the hanger that had little teeth on the inner sleeve. The '68 camper special rear (also w/Flexo) that replaced the original small drum rear also had the teeth on that sleeve.

Had to remove both hangers, spread them open a bit, sandblast, and weld in new metal. Lots of hand filing....and swearing. New poly bushing sleeves are smooth and noticeably thicker.

Here's one of the culprits.
I can't believe I saved that thing...

[SecondCamperSpecial]

Cut them out and use a ball joint press to reinstall them

[sargentrs]

(I don't know if that was aimed at me, at the risk of barging in here...just want to share something to look out for.)

Na. Sorry, should have done the "quote" thing.  Just commenting on HiBoy's post. Carry on.

[1970 Hi-Boy]

No serrations on my bushings 72BahamaBlue, the hangers or shackles are fine, and would be an easy fab job if they were in need of replacement, as they are just two flat bars with holes in each end one for a frame bushing and one end for the spring eye bushing. I'll see if I can get some shop time in this Saturday to make up something or other.

[1970 Hi-Boy]

Here is what I came up with for an installation tool, just two pieces of 2" round stock with a hole through it and a relief hole for the inner steel bushing that sticks out. So in other words it will pull only on the outer part of the bushing, using several different length bolts to pull it into the spring eye. Not sure when I can get around to the get to getting part, but will update as to how it worked.

[sargentrs]

Good luck!  Let us know how it works out.