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By FORD DEARBORN - 5 Years Ago
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This is a question to all 61 - 64 F100 2X4 owners, at least in this case, 1964: I'm trying to figure out a lasting replacement for the front spring, front shackle bushing. This is the 7/8" diameter bushing in the frame. My thoughts are to see if a urathane bushing of a larger size could be reduced in size (sanding/filing?) to work for this application. Would need to keep the side shackle bars gap solidly maintained but allow the upper bolt to rotate in the bushings. Nothing is available for that under designed 7/8 front bushing. Removing the riveted upper shackles from the frame and boring to a larger size may be the only option. I have to replace both bushings once every summer. I even made a tool consisting of a sleeve and threaded rod which does the job quite quickly but would rather design something that would last. Besides all the vertical pressure, there is side to side and twisting moments common to a straight axle. As mentioned on a recent thread, the replacement rubber bushings aren't what they used to be. Thanks in advance, JEFF....................
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By 57RancheroJim - 5 Years Ago
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I feel your pain, I have the same issue on my 60 F100 front springs. The replacement parts rubber suck, more off shore crap. I managed to sand down some polyurethane ones for the front of the rear springs on my Ranchero so it may work if you can find something close to start with. I've looked at some for a Jeep CJ5 that look smaller but I can't find anywhere were the OD is listed.
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By charliemccraney - 5 Years Ago
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Energy suspension have 7/8" universal bushings. See if one of those might work. A problem with polyurethane is that it really needs to be greasable otherwise, it will start to bind and could make the ride more rough. Since the body is rubber mounted, you may not ever notice it but that does not change that it will happen.
If it is only that one that you're having trouble with, you could try having an aluminum, bronze or maybe even delrin bushing made. The spring would still have a rubber bushing so probably no problem with that.
Another thought is to try Eaton Detroit Spring. They claim that their springs are made in the USA. For the price, typically at least double any other spring, it seems silly that they would cheap out on the bushings so maybe they have something good to offer.
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By FORD DEARBORN - 5 Years Ago
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Thanks everyone for the excellent suggestions. I've studied the Energy Suspension generic bushings but the problem is, it's 7/8" O D and the I D is a hole to clear a 7/16" shackle bolt. Take away the steel shell thicknesses (2) and that leaves very little room for the rubber substance. I believe if the upper (in the frame) bushing bore could be enlarged to the next available size, this would solve the problem. However, it would require grinding the rivet heads to remove this upper piece from the frame to accomplish this so that's where I think I'm headed. Charlie, if you still have the straight axle in your uni, how is it you don't have this problem also? Thanks again, JEFF................
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By charliemccraney - 5 Years Ago
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I've never replaced that bushing but I think I need to.
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By 57RancheroJim - 5 Years Ago
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I'm almost tempted to make a solid steel bushing and use one of the bolts that has a zerk fitting in the end and hole in the shank but they are a little pricey.
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By FORD DEARBORN - 5 Years Ago
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I'll try to post a link to Energy Suspension's listing of their product sizes. As Charlie suggested, maybe one for your 57 could be modified easily from this list. Unfortunately for the particular bushing I need, it doesn't exist. I'll also try to post a few pics of this unusually small bushing in my 64 F100. Just for comparison, that's a standard 5/8 spark plug socket 3/8 drive. http://www.energysuspension.com/universal-products/link-flange-type-bushings-universal-mounts-isolators.html It's the upper in frame bushing. You'll need to click on the "size chart."   
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