Leaf Spring woes

[Robert Johnson IV]

So I'm new to the 2000 Explorer sport, so when I went to replace my rusted thru shackles I just went to my local Autozone to get a set. Put my truck up on a life I have access to, and went to work.

Ended up cutting them out - no biggie - but then the real fun started. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS EXTRA BUSHING IN THE FRAME?????? Not one auto parts store carries these things in my area. So my truck was STUCK on the lift.

After 48hrs and then me finding the part number finally to buy these $50 ea bushings - I decided screw that nonsense. And spent some time in front of my CNC machine.

end result - Aluminum Bushings... not buying the $50 replacements - EVER.

Ride feels awesome now!

 

[RangerX]

Props for being able to make your own! Were the old ones not reusable?
Welcome to the forum!

 

[Robert Johnson IV]

Props for being able to make your own! Were the old ones not reusable?
Welcome to the forum!

Thanks, yeah not at all. They had to be drilled out. My explorer is from Ohio, and covered in rust. So it's my $800 project turned daily driver.

 

[J_C]

Can you link the source for the $50 bushings? I agree they shouldn't cost that but for reference's sake and the seller might be a source for other hard to find parts...

 

[Robert Johnson IV]

Here is one source:

BRAND NEW OEM REAR SPRING SHACKLE BUSHING FORD EXPLORER MERCURY MOUNTAINEER http://r.ebay.com/WmlSu0

But this seller is the one that has the most of them:

http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/products/Ford_Rubber_Encased_Bushing_FREE_SHIPPING-2187-186.html

(looks like the price is down to $38)

 

[J_C]

^ Thanks. The original is rubber but you're going with aluminum? How is that working out?

 

[Robert Johnson IV]

Yea, the original was rubber. The aluminum replacements are actually perfect.
I have not seen any issues thus far. I've been pushing this truck much harder to see if I would have an issue.
The next time I have the truck on the lift I'm going to pull them out and inspect them for wear.

So I'll let you know.

 

[SWIGIN]

These are only $14 and change.....
https://www.suspension.com/6810

 

[Robert Johnson IV]

These are only $14 and change.....
https://www.suspension.com/6810

That would have been a good find... The aluminum was free, so no love lost thus far... lol