Spring bushings

[yjsaindon]

I got a set of leaf springs for free recently from a 6.4 and they obviously won't fit my 2001 7.3. I found a pair of 7.3 springs but want to replace the eye bushings. Does anyone know if the bushings from the 6.4 will fit the eyes of the 7.3 springs or if I can even take them out without trashing them?

Thanks all,
Gabriel

 

[melmount]

energy suspension makes some nice poly ones. Easy to install

 

[BJS]

factory spring bushings are generally not removable without complete destruction. Unless Ford completely changed their mind they will need to be destroyed to get them out. I'll suggest buying aftermarket ones.

 

[JRJ04]

my question is...how in the heck do you get to these things? it just seems impossible to get them out of there. Do you have to take the entire leaf spring off?

 

[melmount]

I did the front on the vehicle. I used a ball joint press and got creative.
I used a small jack between the frame and spring in front. To push it down.
Then a cum-a-long to get it pulled to the side to fit back in. I was very very creative.
I would recommend just pulling them out.

 

[JRJ04]

pull the whole leaf spring out?

 

[yjsaindon]

JRJ, I was pulling my springs anyway and I dont see any way to get the bushings out aside from pulling the whole spring. Thanks guys

 

[bserventi]

I need to replace the bushings on my '03 6.0 as well. It has a 6" Fabtech on it. Will the energy bushings fit a Fabtech spring?

Can the stock ones be removed with heat and an air chisel/hamer?
Can they be removed with the springs still on the truck?

If the springs are removed what precautions need to be taken? How important is the accuracy of the reinstallment?

 

[hawkdriver]

A ox/acet torch works good or a fish fryer. Either way just melt the rubber out of the bushing and the rest should come out. Done this numerous times on Jeeps.

 

[JRJ04]

yea...but then how do you get the new ones on without pulling the leaf springs off?