Bushing change

[1984 CJ7]

Anyone have a tutorial on how to change the leaf spring bushings, tie rods and sway bar with poly? I am sure it is not rocket science but...

 

[Old Dog]

Maybe not rocket science but it can be a pain in the a**.
I've had the best luck by cutting the outer flange off with a hacksaw
and using a skinny phillips screwdriver to get between the bushing and the spring or bracket. spray some WD or something like it around the screwdriver. Do this in half a dozen places around the bushing. You should be able to pry it out at some point.
Hope this make sence.

 

[1984 CJ7]

Thanks for the tip! I assume the tie rods are pretty stright forward as well. Remove the nut, remove boot, replace boot, replace nut. right? Do you put the Jeep on a frame stand or just remove the wheel and let teh axle drop?

 

[Old Dog]

I never changed my rod boots but what you said sounds rihgt.
You will need to put stands under the frame (with the tires off)and than use a floor jack to lift the axle just high enough to take the presure off the bushings.

 

[1984 CJ7]

Oh, I thought I would put the frame on stands and let teh axle drop down. Unless you mean to get the bolt out then I see what you are saying. Then let it down and replace.

 

[Old Dog]

Yea you got it.

 

[72rtchallenger]

I just this minute got my leaf spring bushings changed out and it is a pain,,I kept them sprayed down with pb blaster , on the bigger bushing I drilled around the rubber to help free up the center shaft an drove it out then removed the rubber,,then I took a chisel and peeled the outer sleeve down on the outer edge and took a chisel and drove out the sleeve that has to be removed or with the energy poly bushing it has to be removed,,alittle heat also helped but dont overheat,,the shackle ends are not to bad , and on mine I had to reuse the center sleeve on the shackle side so dont abuse them just take a good punch and drive them out and then remove the old bushing,,and then clean the inner sides good so the new bushings install easier,,took me about 5 to 6 hrs to do the leaf spring bushings but then again I got in no hurry,,and I had my tub off which is a big plus

 

[1984 CJ7]

Just wondering if changing the leafs, tie rod boots, sway bar will help tighten up the steering some.

 

[Posi]

I use a ball joint kit. Once I set it up it took me 45 seconds each to remove the original bushings from my 71 they slide out like they were sitting in butter.

 

[1984 CJ7]

sweet! Where can I get that! Pivot side and shakle side came out effortlessly?

 

[Posi]

Most places that sell tools should have them, or you can rent the kit at a big box store like advanced auto and the zone.

 

[72rtchallenger]

Just wondering if changing the leafs, tie rod boots, sway bar will help tighten up the steering some.

it will tighten it up the steering some and wished I had thought about that ball joint press,,,you can get them rent them free at autozone auto parts around here

 

[Posi]

I didn't mentioned it but I'm sure both those chain stores rent free throughout the country.