About To Do Radius Arm Bushings, What Should I Look Out For?

[VBVA]

Probably going to be putting in some new radius arm bushings in the next few weeks, just have a few questions and comments. Thanks in advance for the help.

1) The rivets, do you really have to remove them? Is there a way to just remove the bolt that holds the bushing to the radius arm and swap in the new one?

2) What type of bushing should I buy?

 

[kontinu1]

i had to grind down the rivet head and then use a big punch and hammer. Knock out the rivet(whats left). Then pull the radius arms foward enough to slip on the new bushings I used a come-a-long.

 

[Rhett]

You don't have to remove the rivets. You can loosen the axle pivot bolt and springs etc. and push the axle forward until you can remove the bushings. This method involves removing a lot of things. This is likely the procedure that most shops would use.

The rivet removal method is some work the first time you do it, but then, after you've got bolts there instead of rivets, it makes it very quick and easy the next time you want/need to change the bushings.

 

[VBVA]

Guess I better go buy some stronger drill bits and stronger blades for the grinder...

Grade 8 nuts and bolts suffice don't they?

 

[Joey P]

Grade 8 bolts and nuts are the only way to go. They should be plenty strong enough. You will also need some washers. As far as bushings I went with whatever napa had. I think they are polyurethene? I have heard that the stock type rubber bushings make for a smoother, better ride, but don't last as long as polyurethene. Beats me though.