Process for putting new bushings on front end?

I jacked the rig up and put jack stands under the front bumber brackets.
I then lowered the van - still cannot find a spot where the bushings are loose enough to mess with?

What am I missing here???

Thanks,
dan

Won't help you much if you don't have the tool............at least it give an idea of the way to support the truck......

I still have not been able to get those changed and it's pissing me off.

There is no way I can get the shackles to relax enough to allow the old shackles and bolts to even come out. I've tried jacking it up so the wheel was off the ground even and the shock fully extended and it doesn't give me even enough to take them off doing that.

Should I take the shock loose and let it hang even more or what?
I haven't tried taking the shock loose because it seems like I shouldn't have to???

Anyway, I have it jacked up again right now trying to get this figured out once and for all dammit!!!



It refuses to get to where I can safely slide the old off and the new stuff on...


PS...edited to add that I have an owners manual and tried what is in the book and pages you guys posted a long time ago...frustrating as F when you know the process but have never done it and hit this kind of problem out of the gate...arrgggg...

Front or rear of van supported on jack stands, remove the wheels & tires, place jack under axle but not on the spring, jack enough to support the axle, remove the u-bolts holding the axle on one side (right or left), lower the axle so spring is free. Now the spring has no load, yes the bolts will be hard, they have been there for decades. You do not need the "tool" to remove or install the bushings, make your own, the all thread washers & nuts was less than $5, already had big sockets, if not find some scrap pipe, pictures below. Do one side at a time, use never seize on the bolt & nuts.


Pulling the bushing, I had a big socket for the old bushing to be pushed into, but a piece of pipe will work just as well. use lots of PB Blaster or similar.


Installing, the wedged screwdriver where the roll of the eye meets the spring helps installing to get a squared start easier with new bushing, use never seize on eye, slides in easier.


Done deal


If any of you are air cooled VW fans and have the T1 crank gear puller it also does a good job pulling the bushing but not for installing.

holy guacamolie batman!!!

you mean I have to take the whole spring out to change the bushings and shackles?!?!

sunny beaches...

thanks for the pics!!

my body can't take this crap anymore dangit!!!

Maybe you try some ice-spray on the bushings (just the bushings, not the spring eye) to get them just a liiitle smaller that you'll be able to pull/push them out.

added: I have to admit that I did not do it myself, yet. If my body shop won't get it done, I'll stop by a local spring shop - they'll be able to do it (did it on the Charger's rear axle in the past). Maybe an alternative?

I have not gotten the dual spring shackles close to being able to hammer them out and put the new set in yet...

Didn't realize I was going to have to drop the springs off of the axle itself...

getting the old bushings out should be no problem as they are totally wore away and there is metal on metal happening...

gonna take me a week just to recuperate from this...lol

Oh you were just doing the easy end, the other end can be done with spring still in, just not as easy or as much fun.

LOL