JSmith0055

The 4.5" leaf springs i bought used were cut out due to the bolt not coming out... Before i buy new bushings just wondering if anybody has any tips i'm not thinkin of to get the bolts out?

Ive tried hammering, heating

ragged1

Sorry to bring back a dead thread, but I'm in the same position, and can't get the sleeves and bushings out. Any help/tricks?

Bossokee

Try heating up the whole sleeve and bushing, then pressing or pounding out the whole bolt/sleeve. If that doesnt work just crank up the heat and torch the bushing out

ragged1

I was thinking about that, but I've heard heat was bad for springs. Figured it would be ok on the eyes, but wasn't sure. Maybe I'll just cook them out.

ragged1

Still can't get them out! Aarrgghh!

Bossokee

I've also drilled out bushings in the past. I used a masonry drill bit and it took a while but eventually i drilled out enough rubber to pull the old sleeve out with a come-along hooked to my trailer hitch. This was on my "95 jimmy and i had a piece of cut shackle to hook onto, so idk how you could pull it out. I did find that hammering didnt get far though, you have to squeeze or pull the thing right out. Heat helps too of course just be careful around the gas tank and lines/wires back there. Keep fighting!!!

FloydXJ

I used an air hammer. If the sleeve doesn't start to move, it will get destroyed and come out anyway. Win win

Caish

Drop the end in a bucket of oil and let it set for a day.
Now you want to visit the local semi truck transmission shop.
They will have a 50 to 100 ton press and that bushing WILL come out.