replacing shackle bushings

[Knebel]

I did an attempt today to change the bushings on the leaf spring shackles today....

Jacked the body up til the rear wheel is in the air, put a jackstand under it and then put the jack under the axle for support. I could loosen the shackle bolts and take the one side off easily but the side with the bolts in is not moving. I am afraid there is still tension on the spring and if i use a hammer to get it out i'll lose an arm or an leg lol.

Anyone know how to do this better and easier? I appreciate every help i can get.

68 fury III

 

[Samplingman]

The best way to do this is to remove the the bolts from the rear leaf spring brackets and drop the axle down to expose the shackles. In this pic I pulled the whole assembly out, but that is not necessary:




Once it is lowered, pound out the bolt/bracket with a large screw driver or punch:




These three bolts hold in the rear bracket on my 1970, not sure about earlier models:



James

 

[mcmlvii]

Should the shocks come off at one end first? They may be holding the springs in tension still.

 

[Samplingman]

Yes, you will have to disconnect the shocks, and probably remove the bumper and valance panel as well to get clearance. Just make sure you jack the car up high enough the first time....

 

[Knebel]

so, if I jack up the body with the shock loose to unload the suspension, the leaf spring wont fly off and cut my head off? Sorry if its a stupid question but i have never worked on leaf springs before....


Edit: ok, got one side done, the new bushings out of the second box were way too small even tho same moog part nr ect

 

[mcmlvii]

so, if I jack up the body with the shock loose to unload the suspension, the leaf spring wont fly off and cut my head off? Sorry if its a stupid question but i have never worked on leaf springs before....

Not a stupid question at all. You can never be too careful when working with a leaf spring, or any suspension spring for that matter. Bummer about your bushings being too small.