im replacing my leaf spring bushing. The lower shackle bushing. Its stuck tighter than anything i've seen before. Am i missing something? the new one looks like it just slides right in. Anybody have any suggestions. The bolt is completely fused to the bushing so i had to cut that to get the shackle off.

 

you have to get a torch and melt the rubber and then take a saw-zaw and cut the metal part and pry it out. its the biggest pain ever. took me like 2 hours. and the local auto parts stores had a hard time finding the right bushing too. its very frustrating

 

If you can get the nut off then cut the factory shackle in half and drill out the rubber...but that would mean you need new shackles..and alot of drill bits...but I think it's easier then torchingit IMO

 

torching it takes forever too and it makes a mess but it is probably the easiest way. luckily for me I only had to do one side

 

why would it be easier if it takes forever? lol jw

 

you just have to sit there and let it melt off. easiest way lol physically that is.

 

alright i gotcha now hahah

 

I had the same problem as you. I went ahead and cut the old shackles off and then drilled out the rubber bushing. It was a great pain. I had a torch and was gonna melt it out but I have a 2 door and didn't feel to comfortable doing that with the gas tank so close. I was putting on new shackles so i didnt have a problem destroying the old ones.

 

I only have to do the passenger side. Any tips on how to use the torch? or is it as simple as watching rubber melt? Will just a propane torch work? I don't have an oxy acetelyn torch. Thanks for the help. Man i love this site. I post a question and get 7 responses before the end of the day.

 

I just used a propane torch. you only have to melt it enough to pound out the rest of the rubber. then just sever the metal sleeve and pry it out