I have all of the front suspension off and I want to replace the front shackle bushings in the frame. I have been looking for some aftermarket ones but not finding anything for a CTD truck. Has anyone replaced these? Second question, if you have replaced them do they have the steel sleeves or can you just knock out the rubber?

Un related question on the RWAL modulator which connections are which. Mine had been bypassed so I don't know what is in/out.

Thanks

 

If I remember right Car Quest had the bushings for your front shackles if you have one of those. Not too spendy. Never bought em or put em in. Jethrro

 

I don't mean this sarcastically, at all!

There really are front shackle "bushings"? as in the rear of the front leaf springs?
If so I'm in trouble, I just used an oversized grade 8 bolt!!!!


Sorry for the hijack!

 

There is a bracket that is riveted to the inside of the frame. Which hold the front rubber bushings and provides the support for the shackles. It appears that the bushings are the steel sleeve type. I think I will try to get them out tonight.

Also planning on building some heavy duty shackles found some plans here:
http://www.offroadexchange.com/proje...o_shackles.htm

 

I finally found this
link removed due to profanity
The guy makes super heavy duty mounts for the frame bushings/front springs.
found the guy`s personal websight here
http://www.pjtpw.netfirms.com/
tons of cool stuff for our old clanky beasts.

 

Front spring frame shackle bushing removal. These are a bear to get out. The bushings are pressed in the frame. They are a metal sleeve type bushing similar to a GM a-arm bushings. Heating them would be easy except for the fuel line and wire harness on the drivers side. I ended up heating them with a propane torch until I could nock out the rubber bushing and the midlle tube. Don't bother trying to use some type of chisel or puller or a punch I couldn't knock mine out.

I finally took a 15/16" drill bit and drilled through the middle. This relieved the pressure on the bushings and they fell out. The hard part is you need a short drill bit. I cut the 1/2 shank off mine so it would fit in my 18 volt cordless. I right angle drill would have worked great.