Replacing Shackle Bushings, Best Practices?

[posulli88]

Putting in Bj's 2.5" Lift. Need to also replace my shackle bushings (Mine are in rough shape, as were my stock springs). I have a press 20 ton press but it seems like the exterior bushing sleeve is so thin it would be hard to press out. Also heard of people burning out the rubber then using a saw to cut through the thin wall allowing you to bend the sleeve out. Is there an easy way to press these out on the press? What's the easiest way to do this?

Thanks!

[babywag]

drilling out rubber is easiest imho.
with several holes it just breaks apart/falls out.
then air hammer with sharp chisel mangles the shell out pretty easily.

freeze new bushings overnight lube them and they may go in ok.
I have not had good luck here.
shackles have "crimps" unlike spring eyes.

gave up on last round just went poly.

[posulli88]

Awesome Thanks Babywag. I don't have an air chisel so might have to go old school with a hammer and a chisel. Did you use prothane shackle bushings?

If I struggle and decide to go with poly. Is it ok that everything else would be rubber but the shackle bushings?

[threepiece]

I just did this last week.

I pressed out the rubber first. I then scored almost through the wall of the sleeve with a saw. The sleeves were then removed with a light tapping.

[threepiece]

Originally Posted by posulli88

If I struggle and decide to go with poly. Is it ok that everything else would be rubber but the shackle bushings?

I used the set of four from BJ Offraad I believe they are polyurethane and fit well.

I prefer rubber over polyurethane but several of the last “rubber” insulators I have used let go far too soon, cheap “rubber” I suppose. Polyurethane on the other hand is about as durable as it gets.

I don’t see a problem with mixing rubber and poly as long as each side matches.

[tgreese]

The silent block bushings have an inner and outer steel shell, with rubber between.

Agree with threepiece. I suggest you drive out the rubber center however you can - drill, whatever. Then take your hacksaw apart and assemble it with the blade through the hanger hole. Slot the outer shell most of the way through with your hacksaw. Remove the saw and peel out the shell with a chisel.

The line techs at the Jeep dealer used an air hammer, but that method seems harder and LOUD. Plus you need a compressor, air hammer and a sharp chisel.

[rang-a-stang]

I usually use a MAP or propane torch to the outside and it melts the rubber and the rubber part of the bushing falls out. It also usually will help with removing the metal shell because the heating/cooling help separate any seized parts. it stinks, it makes a slight mess but works pretty quick and easy.

[posulli88]

Got them out this weekend. drilled out the rubber (Rubber was in rough shape so easy to drill) then pressed out the center pin. Used a hack saw to cut through shell and then bent shell in and pressed out. First one took an hour and a half second one 10 minute haha. Poly bushings in the mail. I still have the rubber bushings just incase but hearing about the ease of the poly bushings makes me think I'll go that route. Thank you all for your help!

What grease do you all like to use on poly bushings?

[babywag]

Usually bushing kits include stuff...
Small packets use it all, don't be shy or worry about using too much.

[threepiece]

Originally Posted by posulli88

What grease do you all like to use on poly bushings?

If grease is not supplied with your new bushings I recommend synthetic grease as it has more resistance to water wash than petroleum grease.