Tips for spring bushing removal?

[RajahSC]

Hey guys, be gone awhile (my job) but now I'm back with a little time to put in on the CJ7 . My current project is replacing the leaf spring and shackle bushings and shock bushings (missing!) all the way around. I've got new poly bushing kits to go back in.
My question is- does anyone know of any tips or tricks to get the old bushings out? Or is it just as I have summised from the search I did that you just beat, bang, heat, burn, punch, and just generally fight with them until they're out as I've always done?
I have replaced leaf spring bushings before I was just hoping someone else knew a few tricks to make the job easier.

Thanks for any and all input!
-Rajah

 

[Stodg73]

When I did mine, I used a sawzall to cut the bushings out. Punch out the metal bolt tube, cuth the rubber in 2 places, the cut the outer shell at the end of the spring loop(more room for the blade). Then drive out the ring. Use a large C-Clamp to press the new bushings in.

 

[PaRenegade]

I had to drill thru the rubber with 1/4" drill several times to create some room to "collapse" the bushing. When you install the new poly ones, lube them with lubathane or similar type grease.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I used a torch and a air hammer to get mine out

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Copious amounts of both cold beer and time were required for my 1980. These bushings took more time than the rest of the disassembly down to rolling chassis.

The saws all and punch worked well and I would highly recommend it for those spring eye bushings.

 

[RajahSC]

Yep, that about sums up all the methods I've used before except the sawzall. I WILL give that a try. It seems that each bushing that finally lets go and comes out is a major victory. And I've got all 4 corners to do.
Thanks guys for all the input.

-Rajah

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

It seems that each bushing that finally lets go and comes out is a major victory. And I've got all 4 corners to do.

That it is...Good luck! I chose to do this task after my kids were in bed so they wouldn't learn new words!!!

 

[CJ]

Maybe this will help? -->> Remove those old stubborn factory shackle bushings. - Jeep-CJ Tech. Articles

 

[RajahSC]

Well, got them all done. Very successful! Thanks to all for the tips. By the time I got to the 3rd corner I had this down to a science. I did indeed use a 1/4" drill bit, but I found a brad-point bit worked especially well. (no walking on the rubber and good material removal), then the sawzall on the outer metal shield and I had the spring-eye bushings out in about 10 minutes each.Lubed and installed the new ones and the entire job took about and hour and a half after I got through the first one. Then I kicked back with a cold one!
Now its on to a grease change on the rear axle.

Thanks for all the tips. I used them all

-Rajah