I have an 87 FJ60 with worn out front leaf spring bushings. I noticed a popping sound when turning and found part of the bushings missing causing the bolts to shift. This causes the steering to flex back and forth making it difficult to drive. It is several hours drive from home so I need to make a temporary repair at that location to drive it home for more extensive work. I need to know how difficult it is to replace the front lower bushings to stabilize the steering for a safe trip and what tools i would need for the emergency repair.
Leaf spring bushing replacement (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter RustyTLC
- Start date
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kevin in okinawa
SILVER Star
Sometimes those old bushings are a major PITA to remove, and when they are that bad it's not something you'd be able to do on the side of the road. Maybe you can get a ratchet strap on there and try to tighten it down enough for the ride home? Good luck either way.
RevISK
SILVER Star
I’ll concur with @kevin in okinawa in that sometimes they can be a nightmare and add that often the best tool for the job is all of them.
Please don’t take this the wrong way, but if you have to ask this question, I’d suggest taking it to a shop to do it. While it really isn’t hard, it is a major component and if done wrong can result in the loss of life. Going this route, I would also suggest bringing your own bushings so you have less down time. However, be prepared for your springs to be toast, your TREs to be toast, your shocks to be toast.
Make sure you address all of the bushings front and back on all springs at a bare minimum.
Please don’t take this the wrong way, but if you have to ask this question, I’d suggest taking it to a shop to do it. While it really isn’t hard, it is a major component and if done wrong can result in the loss of life. Going this route, I would also suggest bringing your own bushings so you have less down time. However, be prepared for your springs to be toast, your TREs to be toast, your shocks to be toast.
Make sure you address all of the bushings front and back on all springs at a bare minimum.
I’m going to be honest with you, Rusty, this ain’t an easy driveway or roadway fix. Popping sounds while steering the vehicle can emanate from a host of front suspension components, too many to mention here involving tools as crude as blow torches to sledge hammers. And, if the spring bushings have deteriorated to the point of disintegration, you can be assured other suspension and steering components have been compromised due to a complete and utter lack of maintenance…I’m unfamiliar with Florida motor vehicle laws, but is this vehicle even licensed and state inspected for operation over the road? A 10 minute ride home at reduced speed over rural roadways is one thing, but a trek as you describe is at best a very poor decision.
Do yourself and those around you on the road a big-big-big favor-TRAILER IT !!
Do yourself and those around you on the road a big-big-big favor-TRAILER IT !!
Depending on where the truck is, contact @cruisermatt as his shop is in the Orlando area and can get this sorted for you.
Almost everyone finds that replacing original shackles and bushings require fire, sawzall, BFH, and lots of swearing.
Second the others that this is not a roadside repair and you should seek help. Let us know where you are and can make recommendations.
Second the others that this is not a roadside repair and you should seek help. Let us know where you are and can make recommendations.
you're going to need a BFH.
...and a lot of profanity
When I changed out my stuff I just torched the old bushings out. Wasn't worth the extra effort to fight something I wasn't worried about preserving.
Just make sure to do it outside or in a place with VERY good ventilation. Holy hell are the fumes nasty.
Define 'difficult to drive'. I've driven 60's for years with crap bushings creaking and knocking when I turn but it was across town and not at highway speeds. Drive it home off interstate and fix it later.
If the bushings are truly falling out, you might be able to knock the rest out with a hammer and replace the shackle bushings. The fixed point bushings will be seized; even on a rust free truck. It will be a difficult, dirty job.
If I'm being honest with myself, I drove my truck from TX to NC with destroyed spring bushings (cracked, chunks missing, etc) when I bought it. It was fine on the highway, not as nice to drive as it is now but it was fine.
- Thread starter
- #11
Thanks guys for all the information, criticism, and advice. I had yet to do the research into how difficult it is to remove the old bushings. I have decided it is not feasible to even do a temporary repair to get it home. I have a friend with a diesel Dodge dualie and access to a vehicle hauler and has offered to help me get it home. He is tied up for a couple weeks but will help when he can. I have the torch and various tools and even a BFH. Hopefully I wont have to break out the profanity because I am sure it is rusty due to lack of use. Thanks again for trhe much needed advice.
RevISK
SILVER Star
Don’t discount the value, power and utility of a large bag of creative curse words.
Sound decision to tow it home.
Sound decision to tow it home.
Nice job, Rusty man! Enjoy your rehab experience.
