Shackle bushing replacement

[cwb]

Can someone tell me how hard it is to replace shackle bushings on stock shackles? Do you have to jack up the axle and frame at the same time?

 

[Man Jerk]

Chances are the original rubber bushings are as hard as the steel they sit in. Use a torch and burn them out. You will have to support the frame on jackstands so the axle droops. Undo the shackles and use lots of fire to destroy the old bushings.

 

[cwb]

burn out?

When you say burn them out, do you literally mean to completely melt them off or to just heat them enough so they let loose?

 

[beaufort-fj60]

i was considering doing this also, do a new set of bushings make a drastic change in the feel of the ride on a fj60?

on my wifes ford exploder we had the suspension bushings replaced (different type of suspension) but the ride is excellent now, made a huge difference

 

[euclid]

Soak them in PB blaster twice a day for a week before you do the job and they might come on out on their own.

 

[coffmantx]

It takes a little work but nothing too tricky. I had one bad bushing that caused a clunk when I turned one direction. I replaced the front with the poly ones and greaseable shackles amd it made a nice difference. I've got the rears but I have not got to them yet. It helps to use the bottle jack that came with th 60 to help allign the spring holes with the hanger holes when putting things back together.

 

[jud]

Air Chisel!!!

 

[hammer1]

sawz-all...cut right through the bushing AND the bolt...takes about 5 minutes. new bolts are cheap compared to the time it takes to remove the old ones.