PB Blaster on spring/shackle bolts (1 Viewer)

[Catching Neutral]

Hey guys,
I began spraying PB Blaster on the spring/shackle bolts preparing to install new spring bushings this weekend.
The clunking that was present when turning has gotten worse. Sounds like to me a sure sign that the bushings are worn out. What do you think?
Has anyone else ever experienced this?

 

[1969FJ]

Of course they are worn out. Once you start, it will be obvious.

 

[SteveH]

You may have loosened up something that was already half dead - I would just proceed with the tear down and bushing replacement.

 

[igotta40]

Yea loud cracking/clunking when turning- it went away when I replaced the perished rubbers.

 

[Catching Neutral]

Of course they are worn out. Once you start, it will be obvious.

A photo Of the bushings I removed. I expected much worse. Do they look worn out? Maybe just softer than the new bushings. .

 

[MOTOV8R]

Those don't look too bad. Maybe a little oval on some of the holes. Has the clunk gone away?

 

[blueyednd]

This is what worn out looks like...just recently replaced my shackles and bushings.

 

[Catching Neutral]

Those don't look too bad. Maybe a little oval on some of the holes. Has the clunk gone away?

Some of the clunking went away. Primarily from the front end. I think its better. I tested by driving about 15 mph in a slalom pattern. The clunking when turning R/L definitely went away. Guess I’ll know more when I replace the rear spring bushings. Still lots of noises coming from the back end.

 

[pb4ugo]

Those bushings are a little worn, but still in decent shape. I doubt they are the source of your clunk.

 

[1911]

Agree that they don't look that bad from here. I guess you will see how much improvement there is with the new ones.

 

[Catching Neutral]

There are so many noises from under my rig I may never know. Maybe it’s time to upgrade the stereo.
As always I appreciate the input.

 

[snaggletto]

Try tightening your u-bolts for your leaf springs. This gets even worse if you have aluminum castor correction shims. The aluminum continually compresses and your u-bolts never stay tight.

Also check for play in your steering steering arms, links and tie rod ends, wheel bearings and knuckle bearings.

 

[Catching Neutral]

Try tightening your u-bolts for your leaf springs. This gets even worse if you have aluminum castor correction shims. The aluminum continually compresses and your u-bolts never stay tight.

Also check for play in your steering steering arms, links and tie rod ends, wheel bearings and knuckle bearings.

Great suggestions.. I will snap a photo of my shims and post it when I get home today. The lift kit came from CCOT and my shims look like the ones on their website. It does not say if they are aluminum. I will investigate.

 

[Catching Neutral]

Here is a photo from CCOT website. I bet they are aluminum.

 

[Catching Neutral]

Confirmed with CCoT....the shims are aluminum....looks like I’ll be ordering some steel from Valley Hybrids.
This is going to snowball into u-bolt flip kits and shocks....

 

[Catching Neutral]

@snaggletto ...thank you again.. tightened U-bolts. Front and rear were loose. I was surprised at just how many turns I was able to get in a couple of the nuts. Drove it. And tightened again.
The really loud clunk from the rear end is gone. Makes me happy. I was able to find in PO paperwork that he ordered 6 degree shims from CCOT with the lift kit back in 2010. Steel shims from Vally Hybrids are on the way to replace aluminum ones.