MTFCA Forum

I want to put new bushings on the rear shackles and hit the leafs with graphite paint. The way I understand it is I have to take the wheels off then the diff off then the springs out. Is there a way I can take the springs out without removing the wheels? And regardless of how I get it out is there anything else I should be inspecting or replacing while I'm there?


Edit: I have done the job but the spring tie bolt isnt in the square hole, I tried a few times but combining weight, 2 other people I had helping, and shimmying it alot to get it to move up into the cross member I missed it by about the width of the bolt and I didn't want to keep at it, I am hoping the rattling of use will shake it into place. That in mind if anyone has any good ideas to center the spring with out taking that cancer back apart I would appreciate it. Thanks

You don't need to remove the rear wheels, but you would need to raise the body much higher to relieve all tension on the spring. I would recommend removing the rear wheels. Be sure to have a spring spreader handy to do this job. It makes the task much easier. The bushings are in the spring and perches so having the wheels off will make access to the perches easier.

One of these helps too.

https://www.modeltford.com/item/3820-44T.aspx

Has the rear axle ever been taken apart and inspected and rebuilt? Because this would be a good time if you are taking the shackles off.

I have found the easiest way is to pull the wheels & undo the perches from the backing plates. Takes all the tension off.
Seems easier to guide the perches back into the backing plates for reassembly. Work the perches back in with a 2x4 under the spring ends & jack.
Jack with a cradle or a jack on each side. Never under the center pumpkin.

This method works like a charm for removing bushings (even getting them in). The socket just needs to fit the ID of the spring & the OD of the bushing. --
---
---
Rear spring restore
https://modeltfordfix.com/repairing-the ... ar-spring/
https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=30689

Removing and installing rear axle spring shackles is covered in the Ford Service Manual.
Here is how I jack it up to relieve the spring tension.

A bushing driver works nice. You may need to ream the bushing to fit the shackle. I would suggest brass, not a steel bushing.

My rear spring bushings on one side it looks like the spring hole for the bushing is too big as the bushing went in and out with hand force, as in I can pull it out, this would defiantly spin with use, how might I stop it from spinning?

additionally I used the steel bushings, I hear Brass or Bronze ones were original or better, Ill keep that in mind for the future.I like buying from langs but the only bronze bushings i see are some for some part of a ruckstell, Ill have to see where I can get them from in bronze, maybe the other retailers.

LittleTimmy52 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 03, 2025 7:02 pm

My rear spring bushings on one side it looks like the spring hole for the bushing is too big as the bushing went in and out with hand force, as in I can pull it out, this would defiantly spin with use, how might I stop it from spinning?

Make your own from an over sized bronze bushing.

Bearing shops here carry bronze bushes to suit. i can buy one with greater wall thickness, so it can be turned down for a custom fit as John suggests. Do you intend to re-fit worn shackles? New replacements may need reaming the bushes to fit.

Allan from down under.

I've tried 3 times to get the tie bolt head to fit in the square hole but I can't, I already put everything together, is there any way I can get the spring to just seat it self ? Like should I just go over some bumps and hope it slides in then I tighten it more on the u bolts?

LittleTimmy52 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 10, 2025 10:27 am

I've tried 3 times to get the tie bolt head to fit in the square hole but I can't, I already put everything together, is there any way I can get the spring to just seat it self ? Like should I just go over some bumps and hope it slides in then I tighten it more on the u bolts?

Wondering if you squared up the radius rods. My firs attempt at this link said it wasn't available but eventually showed after some ads. So an ad may not have been available not the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfxWPsF4KhQ

Think you'll need to unshackle & put the spring in first

I do just like Jeff Humble does with a 4x4. Need to raise the rear almost 2 feet. Since you are not removing the rear axle, just leave the wheels on. Put a 2x4 under each shackle so all stays solid. Knock out the shackles. That bushing driver from Langs works great.........The old bushings should come out nicely, and the new ones might be a bit tight. You never know until you put the bushing in and push in the shackle. Might want to install the shackle in the spring so you know it fits OK, then pull it out and try it in the perches. You do not need to remove the spring unless everything is just too tght.

Status update, the bolt slid half way in, my driving got it that far but it hasn't moved past the half way point. I am wondering if I should loosen the u bolts a bit more and it might slide in because those u bolts are tight, if I loosen then it might slide the rest of the way into the cross member. How bad if an idea is that?