Topic: Proper method for installing front eye bushings?

[Morsel]

Hey all, I got my new set of NOS front eye bushings for my leaf springs and was wondering about installation when I'm ready to do it. I already had the old ones pressed out and in the process of restoring the springs. But what's the best method for installing the new bushings? I know there used to be a specific tool, but since those aren't really available or worth the money for a one time install, how do you do it? Do I go back to the machine shop and have them press in? Or is there a way to do it at home without destroying the restored springs or new bushings?

Thanks,

Jason

[preaction]

You can use a bench vise to slowly and evenly push the bushing in this method takes two people though.

[jwc66k]

Jason,
I use a 20 ton press (it's not overkill if it works) with a home made fixture to press out and in the bushings.
Jim

[KevinK]

How about using a ball removal tool?

[Morsel]

Jason,
I use a 20 ton press (it's not overkill if it works) with a home made fixture to press out and in the bushings.
Jim

I need to come for a visit, haha...

[67gtasanjose]

Jason,
I use a 20 ton press (it's not overkill if it works) with a home made fixture to press out and in the bushings.
Jim

+1

My special fixtures were sharp-edge deep socket and another socket plus two more hands. My springs are NOT painted so it worked for mine.

[jwc66k]

I need to come for a visit, haha...

You buy the beer -
Jim

[Anghelrestorations]

I normally have the local spring shop here in Phoenix press out the old ones and then put the new ones in right away.  Then I media blast them and restore them since that does not affect the rubber.  Comes out really nice. 
The press and tools they have at the local leaf spring shop here is well worth the $40 I normally spend. 
Can post pictures if needed of the finished result. 

[Morsel]

I normally have the local spring shop here in Phoenix press out the old ones and then put the new ones in right away.  Then I media blast them and restore them since that does not affect the rubber.  Comes out really nice. 
The press and tools they have at the local leaf spring shop here is well worth the $40 I normally spend. 
Can post pictures if needed of the finished result.

Thanks, but no need to restore my originals, they were shot and I was able to secure some NOS ones for the install, just have to get them in there once I restore my leafs...

Might go visit Jim and buy him some beers

Jason

[Morsel]

You buy the beer -
Jim

Hey Jim, how close are you to Brad Miller, I will be making a trip in a couple weeks from the north bay to go get my rear end from him, maybe if it works out you could give me a hand, I'd gladly buy some beverages, plus would love to see your cars... always enjoy seeing the good ones...

Jason

[69bossnut]

Not everybody lives in a big city with a spring shop Marcus🤣🤣🤣. Just giving you a hard time buddy😉😉.

[ChrisV289]

I went about it the hard way of burning the rubber out and then using a sawzall and a punch to cut the old ones out.  Then used a ball joint press tool and a homemade tool to get the new bushings in.  The homemade tool was a long thread with thick washers and a nut on each end. 

[Bossbill]

It really does take two people to handle this in a press.

However, this bushing is really rusted in there and I remember the easy, few tools method. This took about half an hour and a lot of that time was taken up taking pictures.


Pic 1:
Drill 4 holes in the rubber bushing. I started relatively small and worked my way up in three steps.


Pic 2:
Drill 4 more in between.


Pic 3:
Drill out the holes with a bigger bit.


Pic 4:
Drill sideways a little, hogging out the holes at an angle.


Pic 5:
By the time you hog out each of the holes at an angle the center bolt is ready to fall out.


Pic 6:
Yep.


Pic 7:
And then the rubber usually just falls out.


Pic 8:
Empty shell.


Pic 9:
Burr in a die grinder


Pic 10:
Grind near where the spring returns back to itself.


Pic 11:
Since the shell is very thin at the grind line it takes little effort to carefully break the shell so it folds back into itself and drops out.

[brcron007]

Hi Saw your post about how some are going to an incredible amount of work to get those bushings out. Here's an easy peezy for you. 1. Go buy a 1 gallon can of NAPA brand carb cleaner with basket (Remove basket-save it - it's to small to hold the leaf spring    ) Then stick it in the carb cleaner. I put them in the can on end, then wrap small grocery bag around the leaf and can to help reduce evaporation. Then leave them over night. Come out in the morning and your bushing will be popped out. It swells and turns gushy . Then I spray it off with carb cleaner to rinse. Then soak in some evaporust for a couple hours then they pop right out done it on 2 sets and they are a breeze. Just sayin. Just mentioning Ron