Basic Tool for Removing Leaf Spring Bushings?

Tiger tool makes good suspension bushing presses.

 

Well I have done a lot of pressing things in over the years.

When I was going to put the rear bushings in my truck, I wanted to make a press to press them in, and out. If you Google it, you see how some guys have made a homemade press. You can do that.

But honestly, the best way really is to burn them out. It's fast and easy. You have to be pretty good with the torch to cut the steel part out, but that's mainly about not using too much heat.

As far as putting them in, put them into the freezer overnight or for a couple of days. Make sure they are lined up vertically correct, put anti seize on them, and find a socket or something that is long enough and deep enough that you can whack them with a heavy Sledge. If you had them in the freezer and you put anti seize, they are not difficult to drive in at all.

If you do not have a torch, buy yourself a small oxygen and acetylene set up. You don't have to have giant tanks you can get small tanks. But I guarantee you you will use that oxygen and acetylene more than you think. If you work on your own truck you should have access to real Heat.

You definitely will need it.

The pins on the front Springs I'm not sure what to tell you.

The ones that I have done I hit with a pin and they came out without a lot of problem. I suppose some may be harder than others.

 

Sawzall and a bi-metal blade. Quick and easy.

 

Doing Freightliner Airliner I just torch the u-bolts and press the bushings out and in with a shop press.

 

I have the Tiger tool pin and bushing press. Most all can be done without removing springs. I can knock out a Pete low air leaf spring bar pin bushings on a tandem in less than three hours. The tool is a must on KW rubber steer axle shackle pin/bushings. I have the OTC pin and bushing press for steer axle, but KW ones need the whole 20 ton of the Tiger tool. As a single truck owner, I don't think you could justify the cost of these tools. Check into Atro bushings. They sell remove and install plates for most all of their bushings.

 

I had my rear spring bushings done at a Shop in Ky. 1-65 exit 86 next to the Pilot. Ask for William. They have the mini air jack tool, Tiger tool? Maybe. Quick and affordable, with proper tool. I used the atro anti walk bushings. They’re hard as a rock, but have held up good. Usually the right rear bushing will be the worst. You want to change them before the pin rubs into the spring. Mine ( right rear) was a little bit rubbed out of round, but wasn’t a big deal. Bushings still went in and no problems. I need to do the front axle still, Rubber type, can’t be very hard. Hardest part will be keeping it aligned with bottle jacks, or ? Chain, strap, ? Rear ones are a pain. Worth the 3 hrs labor charge.