Brian1
Elite Explorer
- Joined
- February 2, 2000
- Messages
- 5,387
- Reaction score
- 644
- City, State
- Albuquerque, NM
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1991 XLT
- Callsign
- KG5BAQ
This past week I finished up rebuilding my rear leaf spring pack, added bigger 5/8" ubolts and made new leaf spring u-bolt skidplates.
My stock springs needed some attention, the teflon pads were broken and/or missing, The front eye bushing had never been replaced and they just needed a general cleaning up. I was happy with the lift they were giving me so I did not modify or re-arch my pack so this was just a simple and cheap rebuild.
First I supported the frame with jackstands and then removed the u-bolts and then the leaf springs. Next the center pin was removed with a vice grip and impact. I removed what was left of the teflon pads and the stock clamp as well. Each individual leaf was wire brushed with a bench grinder, you can see the before and after on the leaf in the picture below.
I took the main leaf to the press and using a solid round piece of steel about the right size I pressed out the old bushing with its metal sleeve. I then took a small die grinder with wire wheel and cleaned the inside of the eye.
My stock springs needed some attention, the teflon pads were broken and/or missing, The front eye bushing had never been replaced and they just needed a general cleaning up. I was happy with the lift they were giving me so I did not modify or re-arch my pack so this was just a simple and cheap rebuild.
First I supported the frame with jackstands and then removed the u-bolts and then the leaf springs. Next the center pin was removed with a vice grip and impact. I removed what was left of the teflon pads and the stock clamp as well. Each individual leaf was wire brushed with a bench grinder, you can see the before and after on the leaf in the picture below.
I took the main leaf to the press and using a solid round piece of steel about the right size I pressed out the old bushing with its metal sleeve. I then took a small die grinder with wire wheel and cleaned the inside of the eye.