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| | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 63 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 63 | I was able to get the old shackle bushings out using the bolt and pipe routine with sockets. Some said to use that method to pull the new bushings in. Unfortunately the grade 5 bolts are stripping their threads and so the bushing is only barely started to go in. I am also worried that I will strip out the new shackle bushing as well. What other methods have you DIY people used that work to get the new bushings in? I am right now at an impass. Please help! Wayne | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | A large "C" clamp will work. Harbor Freight sells a tool for $20-$30 that will do the job but I'm having a senior moment and can't think of what it's called. You might do a search, there was a thread on this subject in just the last two or three weeks where a link to that HF tool was posted. Here is the thread with the tool link.
Last edited by Tiny; 01/10/2008 1:10 AM. Reason: added link
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| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 | A ball joint press? LOL
Scott | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | What size bolt are you using? I pulled mine in (and took them out) with that method. You'll want a 1/2" bolt. I found that a carriage bolt worked best. Make sure to put some sort of lubrication on the threads to prevent galling/stripping, anti-seize works well. Also, make sure that the speing eyes are clean and free of rust and debris. May need to clean out any paint that's in there, too, if it's making things too tight.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 293 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 293 | I had trouble with the Grade 5 bolts as well. I ended up stripping several of them. Very tight fit. However, I found that if I torque the nut good and tight and then hit the end of the carriage bolt with a 2-pound sledge, the bushing would move a couple of millimeters. It was slow, but it worked. I used several heavy duty washers on the end of the bushing so I didn't damage the bushing when I hit it. I used this method to remove the old bushings and to install new ones. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 | I always put the shackle bushings in the freezer for a while before I install them, and lubricate them with a bit of light oil. That should make them slide in a lot easier. If the spring eyes have worn egg-shaped that makes installing them much harder.
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