Removing Shackle Bushings?

K

Krylon32

Well-known member
I have a 39 rear end with the original shackle bushings and studs in the rear spring hangers. What is the best way to remove these with out screwing up the hangers? I've read about a driver but I don't have access to one. I need help.
 
admittedly I use a KR wilson shackle remover kit I've had for many years. It is the best/easiest way if you have any one near you ( club/friend, etc). If not, and most don't, I would try and remove the center stud as that will make it easier. Soak liberally with kroil or an very good penetrant.

Then try and use a driver just slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the bushing . If it doesn't move with a number of blows You might suggest heating the outer housing encasement a little. If you have to you can heat and torch it out but that would be my last resort for obvious reasons of danger of the gas tank/fumes, etc.

Depending on what you're putting in installation can be a challenge as well.
 
Fit a socket over it that will fit through , hit that with a heavy hammer ,if that doesn't work then burn the stud out with heat ,then thread a hack saw through the hole and cut the wall of the outer part of the stud it will then come out real easy .Ted
 
I would think a press and a slightly smaller bushing (IE. deep socket) would work nicely. That's the way I got the spring ends, haven't moved on to the mounts yet but that's what I was planning on doing.
 
The spring ends are a different story as they have a flexible join ,were the Axle it a much tighter fit ,Ted
 
This rear end was brought to me fully assembled for me to work with, as you all know Henry didn't scrimp on iron!
 
FlatheadTed said:
Fit a socket over it that will fit through , hit that with a heavy hammer ,if that doesn't work then burn the stud out with heat ,then thread a hack saw through the hole and cut the wall of the outer part of the stud it will then come out real easy .Ted
Click to expand...

THis method is easy and works every time. Hint: Play the torch only on the shaft itself, getting it red hot. It will turn easy and loosen enough to pull right out.
 
Usually when the shackle studs are worn, they will drive out easy then take a hacksaw and cut towards the thickst part of the hangertill you have cut thru the shackle shell and drive them out. While this subject is up, anyone had any experience with the rubber slip in bushings that are being sold now? I cannot believe they will hold up.
 
In my own (3) cars, I don't use the original parts at all. I use the ones that Jim Gordon is selling at his store in Rosemead. (Dated info - I haven't replaced any lately). No problems, and easy to use. (Hold up fine, years now) (They are not rubber - some sort of plastic material - maybe nylon?)
 
jimTN-

I have been using a set of rubber bushings on my '35 front end for at least 20 years with no problem. Just to be sure they were holding up well I pulled the front spring apart last summer and they looked as good as when I put them in. Oh yes, I used original Ford replacement rubber bushings.

Tom
 

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I have tried hacksaw method, socket on end of air hammer, mini-sledge, etc. The only way to go in my opinion (other than elusive KR Wilson tooling) is the "hot wrench". Simple, easy, quick, and effective. Make sure to clean and debur hole before installing new bushings-it will make your life a lot easier...

Let me clarify: heat center stud with torch, this will burn out the old packing material and allow the stud to literally fall out. Free by product is that you also may have broken the rust bond of the shell to the axle housing. Try a socket and hammer to see if the shell will move (it probably won't). Don't be too rough or you will wrinkle the shell and make extraction even more difficult. Use hacksaw or similar tool to cut a slit in the shell to relieve tension and then drive it out with socket. Clean and debur housing before installing new shackle. Do not worry about aligning the square shoulder on the stud for the shackle links. These are easily turned with the link when reinstalling the spring.
 
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jimTN said:
Usually when the shackle studs are worn, they will drive out easy then take a hacksaw and cut towards the thickst part of the hangertill you have cut thru the shackle shell and drive them out. While this subject is up, anyone had any experience with the rubber slip in bushings that are being sold now? I cannot believe they will hold up.
Click to expand...

Jim, I don't know about rubber, but Speedway sells a nylon bushing shackle kit that holds up just fine, and easy to remove/replace during other maintenance procedures. Bright metal shackle and white nylon is the only thing about it, but that's what black paint is for.
 
In addition to the methods already mentioned, O'reilly, and some of the other autoparts stores, will rent you a balljoint press. I used this press and a couple sockets to install new shackle assemblies in the hangars and springs on my 39 pu. Maybe it will help with disassembly too though I am inclined to think you will have to resort to the aforementioned violence to overcome 75 years of the miracle of iron.
 
Larrys40, could you post a picture of "the elusive KR Wilson" tool? It might help inspire a different way of approaching the process for those of us without.
Thanks!
T
 
flatheadfan said:
jimTN-

I have been using a set of rubber bushings on my '35 front end for at least 20 years with no problem. Just to be sure they were holding up well I pulled the front spring apart last summer and they looked as good as when I put them in. Oh yes, I used original Ford replacement rubber bushings.

Tom
Click to expand...

I just found one of those sets NOS on Epay , for the 47, looks like it will make the job of putting it together much easier.
 
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