|
Author
|
Topic: 2WD radius arm bushings
|
Rory McNeil
Gearhead Posts: 1889
From: Surrey, B.C. Canada
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 07-11-2006 02:08 AM
 
I want to replace the 4 radius rod bushings on my 74 F350. According to the Ford shop manual, you are supposed to remove the large bolts ( 1 per side) that go up thru the radius arm, thru the I beam, and secures the lower coil spring mount. 30+ years in Canada says that these large bolts ain`t coming out! The instructions with the new Energy Suspension bushings say to simply pry the axle foreward, but I can`t get the axle to move more than 1/2", which is about 2" less than required. Another option I was told about, was to grind, drill or torch off the 4 rivets per side, and re&re the bracket that the bushing go into, change the bushings, and then using Grade 8 bolts, simply bolt the brackets back on. Any pro`s or con`s, or a "better" idea?------------------
78 Fairmont 428 4 speed [email protected] 1.32 60 foot
80 Fairmont 302 5 speed 12.8@105mph
85 Mustang NHRA M/Stock 302 5speed. [email protected] 1.63 60 foot
59 Meteor (Canadian Ford) 2 dr sedan 332, auto
74 F350 ramp truck 390 4spd
|
Poes Fords
Gearhead Posts: 178
From: Medford, OR USA
Registered: Oct 2004
|
posted 07-11-2006 08:20 AM
Most often we use the remove the rivets method, and replace with bolts. You can pull the arm forward, but it usually involve a strong come-a-long to ratchet it forward. It does put some bind on the front end using that method though. Yeah there is no way that spring perch bolt is coming loose! Good Luck, Jason.------------------
1964 Falcon 289, toploader 4 speed, 9 inch 4.11's locker
1977 Ford F-150 swb 4x4, 460 4 speed.
|
Whitson
Gearhead Posts: 290
From: Western Canada
Registered: Dec 2005
|
posted 07-11-2006 11:40 AM
All I've ever done to change those is take off the big nut on the back, hook a come-a-long onto the I-beam and pull it foreward until the radius arm clears the frame mount and you can replace the bushing. Works for me. 
|
68F100
Gearhead Posts: 2835
From: Burlington, Iowa
Registered: Oct 99
|
posted 07-11-2006 09:00 PM
I got them off my terribly rusty 77. The bolt at the front has two nuts on it. One you can see on top of the spring retainer, and another underneath when you get the spring retainer off. I got them off with a wrench on one end and an impact on the other. You wouldn't have to take them off if you drop the I-beam at the frame. Then the whole assembly drops out and you could change the I-beam to frame bushings while you are at it.
|
MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 4235
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
|
posted 07-25-2006 10:20 PM
quote:
Originally posted by 68F100:
I got them off my terribly rusty 77. The bolt at the front has two nuts on it. One you can see on top of the spring retainer, and another underneath when you get the spring retainer off. I got them off with a wrench on one end and an impact on the other. You wouldn't have to take them off if you drop the I-beam at the frame. Then the whole assembly drops out and you could change the I-beam to frame bushings while you are at it.
That's the way I did it. I unhooked the caliper,shock and spring. Then the whole side assy drops out. The truck has to be fairly high,though,especially 4WD.
|
Rory McNeil
Gearhead Posts: 1889
From: Surrey, B.C. Canada
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 07-26-2006 02:03 AM
I changed the radius arm bushings last week. I ended up removing the cast brackets that were riveted to the frame that the radius arm bushings go thru. I used a combination of 7/16" ARP bolts and grade 8 3/8" bolts to secure the brackets back onto the frame. Between the rebuilt steering box, new urethane radius arm bushings, new "rag" joint, new calipers & pads, plus new F shocks and Firestone airsprings inside the F coils, it drives like a brand new 1974 truck!------------------
78 Fairmont 428 4 speed [email protected] 1.32 60 foot
80 Fairmont 302 5 speed 12.8@105mph
85 Mustang NHRA M/Stock 302 5speed. [email protected] 1.63 60 foot
59 Meteor (Canadian Ford) 2 dr sedan 332, auto
74 F350 ramp truck 390 4spd
|
MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 4235
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
|
posted 07-27-2006 10:24 AM
 There is a nice 72 shorty for sale in town that keeps teasing me.
|
