Bushing install / hydraulic press

[Hoosier Daddy]

I'm looking at correcting the post-lift caster on my 80 in the next few weeks, and probably need to do this via new bushings.

Slee charges $170 for the labor, and that's a hassle to go all the way up there to his shop. For that price I could buy a Harbor Fright 12 ton press and do it myself. Still, I have no interest in having something else taking up space in the garage.

My questions are as follows:

-Anybody have experience doing the bushings themselves?
-Anyone (maybe even several people) interested in splitting the cost of the press? You could have it when finished.
-Anyone have a press already and want to help a brother out?

 

[black95]

I know Leon has a jig to do this, I think he is on vacation right now. I have the Harbor Freight 12 ton press in my garage, but I live in Woodland Park. Most people think driving to Woodland Park is like driving to Maine, when in fact, it's about 18 miles from the Springs. Not sure how you feel about coming this way, but I'd be happy to press it together for you.

 

[Man Jerk]

You could also call Justin @ redline landcruisers out in Calhan (certainly no closer than Luke)

Redline Motorsports - Toyota Land Cruiser & Race Products

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Cool, thanks guys! Luke, I'd be very grateful to borrow the use of your press. Woodland Park is an easy drive.

I'll get the springs on later this week, and hopefully verify the actual caster measurement over the weekend - Then order the bushings from Slee (as well as the Landtank template) early next week. Once that's all together, we can work out a time convenient for you and I'll pull the front control arms off.


Gotta get this sucka together before Moab!!!

 

[black95]

Just let me know.

 

[CO_Hunter]

Got the jig if you need it. Made per OME/Slee instructions.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Seems like a jig would only make this easier. I'd be happy to borrow it.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Thank you, Leon for the use of the jig, and Luke for the help with the bushings. I take back most of the bad things I said about you, Luke.

I got the control arms back on tonight without much trouble and the truck drives like a million bucks. _Much_ better.

If anybody wants to install caster bushings in their 80, I have the (slightly used and abused) press tool and Landtank template for 3 degree Slee bushings you can borrow.