UserID6095

Im trying to insert the new bushings into the leaf spring and seem to be having a very difficult time. How does one get the bushing into the leaf spring?

I cut/burnt the old ones out, that was some fun. Picked up some MOOG bushings and for the life of me can not get them to go in.

I have tried to pry the eye open using a screwdriver but it appears thats not enough. Do I need to rent a ball joint press and try that?

Thanks

FYI: 96, 4.0, aw4. RE lift and Bastard pack.

Andrew0257

These can be tough. Lay the sping on its side on concret. Grease both sides bushings and eye. Put one side under spring and the other on top put a piece of wood over the bushing and hammer it in checking every so often to make sure it is going in straight, then put in the sleeve.

UserID6095

Its a one piece bushing. It does not split in half and I can not remove the center sleeve. From reading around online I may need a shop to press them in. Royal pita.

Andrew0257

O, in that case I would say yes to the the press.

OverlandZJ

Have a decent size bench vise?

UserID6095

Not decent enough, too small to fit the leaf and bushing as one.

Its too late here now, but tomorrow I will rent a ball joint press and see how that works. If I still cant get them in then off to a shop I go.

UserID6095

Ending up getting a tip from someone of JF and he referenced the FSM. Pulled out the FSM copy I have and seemed easy enough. After a quick trip to Lowes I was set to tackle this once and for all.

You can see the technique in better detail here, http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/h...3/#post9841085.

Think next time I will just buy new leafs with bushings already pressed in rather then rebuild stock leafs into a bastard pack. Oh well, its done for now. Almost forgot, I got new bolts from NAPA. Same size and come in 10.9. The bolts for the leafs are the same size has those used for the control arms. They are M14 x 2.0 pitch x 120mm long. In case anyone ever needs to replace ones they cut out.

Thanks everyone!

IGeeky1

OK, thanks this was just the answer I needed! Yay search engine.

Shobie2000

Or you could try what this guy did!