CJ 5 Spring EYE bushings

[DJ1980CJ5]

Hello all,

I am re-bushing my 1980 CJ5 .

The shackle bushings are a breeze. No sweat. However, I had no idea what I was getting into regarding the spring eye bushings. I can get them out with a torch and a sawzall to cut the outer steel case.

I cannot see any way I can get the new ones in, without a press of some kind. The springs are still in the vehicle.

Two questions:

1. Are there any spring eye bushings out there that do not have the steel surround?

2. Any cheap/easy ways to press them in-still on vehicle?

Thanks.

 

[0822]

When I installed new ones on my CJ I used a 6 inch Clamp and they went right in.

 

[73CJ]

Most poly bushings don't have a steel outer sleeve.

 

[DJ1980CJ5]

Most poly bushings don't have a steel outer sleeve.

I'm getting that impression. I may look into those.

 

[DJ1980CJ5]

When I installed new ones on my CJ I used a 6 inch Clamp and they went right in.

Thanks. I tried using a 4". I think I'll look for a larger one. I can always use one.

 

[Torxhead]

Use silicone or moly lube for sliding them in and I use an 8" c-clamp.

 

[DJ1980CJ5]

Well, I got one in 3/4 of the way using an 8" C clamp. Then it just stopped. I mean-STOPPED.

I actually broke four 1/2" grade 5 bolts trying to pull it in the rest of the way.

I'm done. I jammed the spring back up in the frame hanger with that one bushing 3/4 way in. I did not even attempt the other three.

Two long evenings working on one bushing did me in. I may be looking around to pay someone to do the rest.

Unless, the other types do not have the metal sleeve. Can anyone point to the type that does not have the sleeve-for sure.

Thanks.

 

[Torxhead]

Tough break on the repair job, you might want to contact Glendale Spring inc. at (623) 931-1628. The metal sleeve is so the main spring eye can rotate on it rather than the bolt which can wear out the mounting hole.

 

[busterswt]

The Prothane poly bushings don't have the sleeve. I'm in the middle of replacing all the bushings in my CJ5 and so far it's been a breeze.

 

[DJ1980CJ5]

The Prothane poly bushings don't have the sleeve. I'm in the middle of replacing all the bushings in my CJ5 and so far it's been a breeze.

Where yo buy them?

Thanks.

 

[busterswt]

Bought the entire set from Summit. Contains body bushings, spring eye/shackle bushings, and all the front-end bushings.

Prothane Total Kits 1-2003 - SummitRacing.com

 

[72rtchallenger]

Summit sells just the leaf spring bushings by themselves as kits , here some from Summit on ebay


Energy Suspension Bushings Leaf Spring Polyurethane Red Front Jeep CJ5/CJ7 Kit | eBay

 

[DJ1980CJ5]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

 

[DJ1980CJ5]

I took y'all's advice and ordered the poly (two piece) bushings. They should arrive later this week.

Now, I get to beat the out of that NAPA bushing (steel cased) that I got 3/4 way installed. That should be fun. I see Heat/Fire in my future!

I'm looking forward to getting the poly's installed.

I'll keep y'all posted.

 

[DJ1980CJ5]

I got all the parts from Summit installed. Much easier.

Some of the old bushings came out easily and some were difficult. All the new ones went in easy.

Thanks for the tips!!