So I got the bright idea to change out the bushings on my 98 1500's rear leaf springs. I am putting in an AAL, so I figured I'd do it while I was in there. Well, now the truck is all apart, I have a couple problems...

#1 is that the bushings for the actual springs are too big (obviously, this is just a problem with the company ordering the wrong ones. I'm currently in the process of working this out).

#2 the metal "ring" on the inside of the eye of the shackle will not come out. We put a 150# press on it and it won't come out. I took it to a shop, and all they suggest to do is order a new shackle. The stealership wants $76 for the pair (left and right). Is there anywhere/thing to replace my shackles with that is a cheaper alternative? Any other suggestions?

Biggest deal is that the old bushings are gone, so there is no way I can put this back together until it's all worked out.

 

Metal sleeve in the shackle? I know of the sleeve inside the bushing but not to sure what your talking about.

 

I don't think you can rebuild the shackles. My shackle bushings are shot and they are moving all over the place. I looked for a bushing kit and can't find it. I ordered new shackles from the dealer and will attempt to put them on tomorrow I think.

 

Back in '02 I had the same issue when I was replacing my stock springs with those off an offroadster. I burnt all the sleeves and rubber out of the offroad springsand replaced 'em with urethane bushings for a chevy, which fit perfectly. 5 years and some 70k later they are still working slick.

 

Here's a picture of what I mean. This is obviously after I have cut the sleeve and put the press on it, but it still won't budge. I also included a picture of the new bushings to go in.

I have also since found out that apparently the spring eye's are supposed to be 1.75" ID, but mine are 1.5" ID...did the previous owner swap out springs on me? I have two paint stripes on the back of the spring eye, I thought this was an indicator of factory parts.[sm=WTFsgign.gif]


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Fortunatly they do make urethane bushings for your application.
I think someone in the aftermarket was misinformed on bushing sizes. I used Chevy truck bushings which are 1.5 inches OD.

The part # 3.2106 should work but to make sure, measure your front eye diameter as well. Energy makes kits that have both diameters in them.

http://www.energysuspension.com/pages/c4wd2.html

 

Thanks dsertdog. Out of curiousity, did you have to swap out bolts as well, or was the inside eye of the new bushings/sleeve sized just the same as the stock ram?