Posted by Vaughn [172.69.140.163] on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 09:45:50 :
In Reply to: Re: Spring Shackle Pin To Bushing Fit? posted by Kevin [172.70.230.130] on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 07:37:56 :
Me and my math, it s/b .022. Well, I wouldn't worry too much about the clearance, again you want some play. This is what I use to determine when maintenance is required on spring bushings, front bolt/shackles and rear pin/shackles.
- When using a lever actuated grease gun, if you have to jack up the front or rear frame
release pressure on the parts to get grease in a bolt or pin, they need to be replaced as the flat area of the bolt/pin has been worn away. You can also do an inspection of the bushings at that time to determine if they needed replaced, if they are oblong and thin at the spring eye, replace. Bolts/pins will wear faster than the bushings.
- When driving off-road when going over rocks or driving in a parking lot and going over a speed bump and you hear a knocking sound after, either at the front or rear, you have worn bushings, time to replace. Make sure you secure the tailgate chains when testing.
- Avoid the steel over bronze type bushings, they can fit tight and not allow the spring eye to relax and that can result in weakening the spring at the eye.
- When you drop a front spring at the rear frame mount or a rear spring at the front frame mount they may not be in alignment with the mount. Use a "C" clamp big enough to grab the mount and spring to realign to get it back in the mount after replacing a bushing.
The springs fit fairly snug in the frame mounts and that generally holds the truck in alignment so don't worry about if you have too much or too little, just replace the parts when they are worn and you'll be fine. You're welcome Kevin!
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