Leaf Spring Terror

[70 360 DART]

Hey guys,
i have a quick question about a problem we are encountering. We are upgrading are leafspring bushings to polyurethane bushings and the metal sleeve in the main eye does not want to go. Can anyone please tell us how to remove it? thanks.

 

[C130 Chief]

If you are trying to remove it, a propane torch works great. Just aim the flame through the hole in the sleeve and the rubber will promptly melt allowing the sleeve will slide out pretty easy. Do this outdoors or your wife will complain about the smell of burning rubber LONG after the smoke goes away (like 10 years). And of course, the bushing will be trash after you do this, but the sleeve will be fine.

 

[TheBestCar]

I do not know which companies bushings you are using, but if they are like the PST ones I had, they send new main bolts also, problem I ran into was the metal sleeve from the original factory bushings did not fit in the poly bushing, and the new bolt left a gap that had to be filled. I used aluminum pop cans that I cut the tops and bottoms off of, and made a "sleeve" for the bolt to fit tightly into into in the bushing by wrapping the aluminum piece around the bolt and then test fitting and trimming away from the aluminum, until I had a very snug fit. Worked out well for me.

Just a few thoughts to try to help in case you run into the same problem.