Leaf spring bushing removal question

[Captainkirk]

Hi, looking to remove the bushings and rubber mounts that slide into on my rear spring eyelets, also to remove the shackles for the same purpose. They're not playing nice. Any tips/tricks I need to know about? (gonna replace them so don't care if I trash the old ones). I was thinking about using some deep sockets and a large C-clamp to press them out, but open to suggestions.
No sure what to do about the shackles as the bolt heads are welded to the shackle brackets? Any suggestions welcome!

 

[TheGrateRonzini]

Sometimes, I’ll work an awl around in there and squirt some lube in and work it all around. Heat works if you are replacing them. They are only halves, so sometimes you can get the front ones out and work at the inside from the front

 

[TrailBeast]

Hi, looking to remove the bushings and rubber mounts that slide into on my rear spring eyelets, also to remove the shackles for the same purpose. They're not playing nice. Any tips/tricks I need to know about? (gonna replace them so don't care if I trash the old ones). I was thinking about using some deep sockets and a large C-clamp to press them out, but open to suggestions.
No sure what to do about the shackles as the bolt heads are welded to the shackle brackets? Any suggestions welcome!

I used an air hammer chisle and spread the spring eylet open enough to slide the old bushings out, then slipped the new ones in.
That chisel flew about 50 feet coming out so be careful.

On the rear I took the shackle bracket off with everything still intact, then disassembled it.

These replaced the flimsy shackles on reassembly with poly bushings.
Solid ever since.
That sideways stuff is hard on shackles.

 

[Captainkirk]

My C-clamp idea...negatory. Bent the frame of the clamp somewhat. These guys are dug in and don't wanna come out.

 

[Captainkirk]

I used an air hammer chisle and spread the spring eylet open enough to slide the old bushings out, then slipped the new ones in.
That chisel flew about 50 feet coming out so be careful.

On the rear I took the shackle bracket off with everything still intact, then disassembled it.

These replaced the flimsy shackles on reassembly with poly bushings.
Solid ever since.
That sideways stuff is hard on shackles.

View attachment 1716438764

If you use poly on the springs and shackles is it a no-go to use rubber on the front suspension? Asking for a friend...

 

[Sterling]

The last spring bushings I did I used my hydraulic press to remove and install . But they were off the car. I have a OTC ball joint tool that might work, but I have not tried it for spring bushings

 

[junkyardhero]

If you use poly on the springs and shackles is it a no-go to use rubber on the front suspension? Asking for a friend...

it'll be fine. carry on.

 

[TrailBeast]

If you use poly on the springs and shackles is it a no-go to use rubber on the front suspension? Asking for a friend...

I did exactly that.
In fact I mix rubber and poly throughout the car depending on load and taking vibration into account.
Rubber front spring eyelets, poly shackle bushings, poly trans mount, rubber engine mounts, poly lower control arm bushings, rubber offset uppers.
Engine and trans are all spool type mounts.

 

[pyrogen007]

I used a butane torch just enough to get the rubber soft again(softer the better really but too much heat on a spring might be bad) and then air chisel to finish knocking the rubber out. On the bushing sleeves I very carefully cut them using a saws-all making sure not to get into the spring itself and then either a manual chisel or air chisel, just need to get the corners up enough to "shrink" the sleeve and it slides right out.

 

[Inertia]

Heat.
I use a torch to set em on fire till it sorta melts the inner and pushes out with a screwdriver, then collapse the outer shell on itself. Viola . . . smoky. . .but time efficient.

007 treed me.

Good luck

 

[RedFish]

You might drill away majority of the rubber

 

[Mojoe9955]

I like the use a hole saw slightly larger the the sleeve. Drill from both sides to remove the sleeve and the rubber practically falls out.

 

[OllieDemon45]

Does anyone have part numbers for the eyelet bushing for the rear? I just received my springs from Espo but they do not have the small end bushings for the rear. Any help would be great.

 

[junkyardhero]

Does anyone have part numbers for the eyelet bushing for the rear? I just received my springs from Espo but they do not have the small end bushings for the rear. Any help would be great.

there's two sizes, 7/8 and 1" and the shackles themselves can have 7/16 or 1/2" bolts.

rock auto or summit are good resources. but if you're in a pinch the local vatozone, o'really's and nopea might have you covered if you know what you're looking for.

 

[OllieDemon45]

there's two sizes, 7/8 and 1" and the shackles themselves can have 7/16 or 1/2" bolts.

rock auto or summit are good resources. but if you're in a pinch the local vatozone, o'really's and nopea might have you covered if you know what you're looking for.

The offset shackle kit I bought came with 1/2” bolts