replacing rear leaf spring bushings

[big10ratrod77]

I am planning on replacing the rear leaf spring bushings on my 79 c-10 with polyurethane units, how hard is that? I replaced the ones on my 73 Plymouth duster and it was a major pain in the butt. If it was not too bad I would replace all of that while I had the bed off. So if any of yall have attempted this let me know if it’s worth the time and effort.

[cory d]

i plan on doing this soon. panhard bar after that

[Telecasterjoey]

It will be easier with the bed off that's for sure, the big problem I had when doing it was getting the bolt out of the bushing, the inner metal sleeve on the stock bushings was rusted onto the bolt so bad I had to melt the bushings out and then cut the metal outer sleeve out of the leaf springs. It's not too bad just labor intensive.

Good luck!
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[big10ratrod77]

alrite then ill plan on doing that then, that aint to bad probly wouldnt hurt to put some antiseeze on the bolt to prevent future problems to, thanks bud

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Wouldn't recommend urethane. New rubber is good but urethane isn't good for much other than a drag racing standpoint
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[big10ratrod77]

I used a full PST front end kit and rear bushings on my 73 duster and I was totally satisfied, it completely changed the car as far as how it handles and it still rides smooth going down the road. i was worried that it would beat the living daylights out of you but when i got to out and started driving it, it rode great. that’s the only reason I thought about doing that to my 79 you know I am planning on replacing it anyway why not go a little better than stock

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Well the rear has to articulate so on a light rear end like a truck that can make it bounce and wobble on a turn. Plus our trucks lean more. I have an energy susp kit on my truck and love it as well. I would recommend a panhard and rear swaybar. That will make a night and day diff as well.
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[big10ratrod77]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

Well the rear has to articulate so on a light rear end like a truck that can make it bounce and wobble on a turn. Plus our trucks lean more. I have an energy susp kit on my truck and love it as well. I would recommend a panhard and rear swaybar. That will make a night and day diff as well.
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that makes sense i gotcha now ill probly put rubber bushings in now thanks for the help bud (i guess its like my dad has always told me "stock is best" ), thats also why i ask for others imput befor i spend to much money. i installed a rear sway bar about 2 months ago and i am totaly excited about the differance it made in the truck

[cory d]

would new rubber bushings in the leafs and poly bushings in the shackles be a better choice?

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Originally Posted by cory d

would new rubber bushings in the leafs and poly bushings in the shackles be a better choice?

That's how mine are setup since they are lowering shackles. I still wobble like crazy at speed if you twitch the wheel. I need a panhard hardcore.
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[bk2life]

squeak squeak squeak...

rubber in leafs will make you smile

[88Jimmy4x4]

I use these on all my trucks and blazers, they are greasable so no squeek

http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/greasebushings.htm

[Billy81]

Originally Posted by 88Jimmy4x4

I use these on all my trucks and blazers, they are greasable so no squeek

http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/greasebushings.htm

X2, I used their greasable bushings on my K5 front and back.

[i heart square bodys]

the biggest issue you will have is getting the bolts out of the bushings. I solved this issue by melting the ends of the bushings to give me space to get a grinder in and I cut the bolts off both on both sides of the shackle. (with the box off, makes life a lot easier) . to get the bushing out I drilled all of the rubber out and knocked the centre out still leaving the thin metal sleeve inside the leaf. to get the sleeve out I cut a notch in it all the way across the sleeve with a sawzall and peeled it up with a screwdriver, this broke it free enough to knock it out with a hammer . clean the rust out of the leaf spring and apply some anti-seize and knock them in with a mallet . if this doesn't work put a length of threaded rod though the bushing with nuts and big washers on both sides and pull them in . I have P/U bushings in my shackles and rubber in my leafs.

[88Jimmy4x4]

Originally Posted by Billy81

X2, I used their greasable bushings on my K5 front and back.

Thanks, I was beginning to think I was the only one that even knew about these

[zirk]

I'm putting drop shackles on mine, just to make it easier I got new bolts and bushings, and used a cutting torch to burn the bushings/bolts out.. probably 10 minutes of work..

[bigd65]

I did the WHOLE poly bushings on my 85 that I use to have. The Body bushings , suspension, everything and man it was stiff, handle very well... But stiff and yes it was a pain in the but, the whole job was
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[gchemist]

Polygraphite!! Best of rubber and poly!! I'm installing lowered leafs with polygraphite bushings this spring!!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by gchemist

Polygraphite!! Best of rubber and poly!! I'm installing lowered leafs with polygraphite bushings this spring!!

Winner, Winner, winner! If you want a better ride AND quiet bushings, upgrade to Polygraphite. By combining graphite with polyurethane you have a bushing thats not quite as hard a pure urethane, and is self lubricating due to the graphite content.

[D13]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Winner, Winner, winner! If you want a better ride AND quiet bushings, upgrade to Polygraphite. By combining graphite with polyurethane you have a bushing thats not quite as hard a pure urethane, and is self lubricating due to the graphite content.

I can find poly easy but not with graphite. Who sells polygraphite? And if teh decision is to grease them is silicone grease the stuff to use? My truck is an all weather driver, 35K a year, and the Michigan road salt seems to dissolve grease.

[2ndstoryslam]

Originally Posted by D13

I can find poly easy but not with graphite. Who sells polygraphite? And if teh decision is to grease them is silicone grease the stuff to use? My truck is an all weather driver, 35K a year, and the Michigan road salt seems to dissolve grease.

http://www.p-s-t.com/

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Those polygraghite bushings are still hard as hell. The biggest thing is they don't squeak because of the graphite.

The best way to make your bushings and susp last forever? Zero fittings. Drill and tap for zerk fittings. I did that to my front end control arms.
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[83GMCK2500]

Where can a guy who was happy with his OEM rubber bushings & mounts buy quality replacements?

[spencer_41188]

rubber vs. polly hummm if you got a shop press and you wana replace them again in 20 years go with rubber

i went with polly because all i have is basic tools my spring bolts broke so i had to pry, hammer, grind, and saw the springs out then i drilled a pilot hole in the broken bolt, then a hole saw to cut the rubber out, then i took the sawzall and cut the outer ring of the bushing in 2 spots about 3/4 inch apart and folded it togeather .... didnt take all that long but the polly bushings just smear alittle grease on them and tap them in with a hammer put some anti seese on the 9/16 grade 8 bolt and tightened her in place

only took 5 or 6 hours but i didnt pay a michanic there going rate lol