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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
I had a bushing kit ordered and these were included. I was told I need to drop the whole axle in order to replace these. What benifits can I expect by replacing these and is it worth it?It seems like a ton of work to guys these guys in.
Yep gotta drop the whole thing. The bolts where the axles swing from have bushings around them. Those are the ones you are wanting to replace here. They can be pretty tough. I have never done these but here is how I would plan my attack. Unbolt one side then unbolt the spring shock, and the radius arm. Then let the jack come down and you probably will have to pry that sucker out of there and then you should be able to have access to it. Its a bunch easier to do one side at a time then both sides at the same time.
Those bushings are a Pain in the Butt! I replaced mine when I did my lift and gear swap. I already had everything dropped to do the mods. Anyway, I had to heat the bushing and surrounding metal with a torch and air chisle them out. Sounds eaiser that it was. Then, to get the new ones in I had to use a large shop press to get them in. It took 3 of us to hold it, align it and operate the machine.
I really don't know the benefit of replacing these bushings. My orginal ones appeared to be in excellent condition. I believe that replacing these bushings would cost a lot more than their benefits. Just my .02