I'm about to replace my frame bushings...Never done it.

[TedW]

Any advice from the group before I begin? I suspect that my old bushings are original. Any tricks to getting the sleeves out? I've been told to get the centers and all the rubber out before I apply any heat.

Thanks in advance for any replies - Ted

[Rineheitzgabot]

Hey Ted, post of bigger pic of that machine.:)

[Mercedesrover]

Push the centers out with a ball joint press. Cut a slot out of the outer sleeve with a sawzall. It'll come right out. Make sure you clean up the hole in the frame before you try to push the new ones in.

If you don't have a ball joint press, borrow one. You'll thank me in the morning.

[TedW]

I'm on it!

[thixon]

Having done this job using a torch a BAH and elbow grease, before I was smart enough for the recip saw trick (I'm still not that smart), I have but one thing to say to you.....

TAKE JIM"S ADVICE SERIOUSLY. Its exactly 1,000,000 times easier that way.

Also, should none of your buddies own one, you can rent a ball joint press from NAPAAutozoneOreilysEtc for next to nothing.

[TedW]

Every kid should have one. Thanks, all, for the advice - much appreciated. I will report back on my progress, and will post some Rover **** for you, Rineheitzgabot!

[Rineheitzgabot]

Steady...;)

[TedW]

Only major visual change is that my truck now sports 16" rubber in place of the 15's in the photos - huge improvement in highway driving, IMO. I don't need to use my OD as much.

[Rineheitzgabot]

Lookin' good, and even a centerfold, to boot.

What year is it?

The tint is off in my avatar, but in case you didn't notice, mine is very similar. I take it, it's not a bugeye.:)

Very nice looking machine:thumb-up:

[TedW]

Stock, except for a few subtle upgrades (parabolics, electronic ignition, K&N, stuff like that).

[SafeAirOne]

Are the spring bushings as difficult to remove as the chassis? I suspect not, but I want to be prepared before my only real mode of transportation is disassembled on my garage floor.

[TedW]

I just finished the left rear - right rear is next. Thanks to Mercedesrover and to thixon for your valuable advice. The ball joint press was a godsend, and even then it was still a bit of a chore. And I can't imagine getting the shell out without the Sawzall.

[TedW]

Still a pain in the a$$, even with the help of air tools, Sawzall, etc. I may be kidding myself, but I think my new greasable poly bushes provide a better ride than my old OE bushes did. And replacing these babies down the road will be a snap!

[Mercedesrover]

You're putting poly bushings in it?

[TedW]

Based on advice from others on this BB. Nice stuff.

[Momo]

Also- doesn't apply to polys, but for folks who are replacing with stock bushings, putting the new ones in the freezer overnight before installation will help!