Rear frame mount leaf spring shackle bushing

[Jack_M]

OK, so I'm replacing the shackle bushing on the frame side and it really needed it! Now on other trucks I've had there was a sleeve through the frame that the bushing pressed into. When I got the remnants out on my H3 there is no sleeve just the front and back side of the body mount and hollow in the middle. Is this normal or do I need to get some frame repair ? I'm not going to lie my H3 has been neglected these last few years while I took care of my wife. At this point I'm just trying to repair/restore this thing after everything I have put it through it deserves it! Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[alrock]

If I recall correctly, the bushings should already be in a metal sleeve that then gets pressed into the frame. If you removed bushings only, then perhaps the sleeves are still in the frame?

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[alrock]

Here's an example of an old bushing and you can see the sleeve

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[Jack_M]

The only parts of the sleeve that were left was in the front and the back is where it meets the outer part of the frame. The middle part of the outer sleeve was completely rotted out. It was way past due. I just want to make sure there is not supposed to be anything in the middle. because if there is I'm going to need to find a good frame repair guy to fix it.

 

[alrock]

Nope, nothing in the middle. It's the outer edge of each ear that holds the bushing and it's sleeve.

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[Jack_M]

Thank you!! I was thinking for sure I was going to need frame repair! Now I can just worry about getting the new bushings and shocks on it. And wire brush and paint the frame. Again thank you so much!

 

[JPaul]

When you put the new bushings into the frame I suggest peening the lip of the bushing outer sleeve so that it helps hold the bushing in place. On mine from the factory they used some type of swage to flare the lip out to help hold it in. When I replaced mine I just used a big punch and a sledge hammer and peened it out in a few spots to keep it from trying to slide back out of the frame.

Usually they'll hold OK without it but it is just a friction fit otherwise so with age and whatnot you could have the bushing slide back out after driving on it for a while.

 

[4speedfunk]

Check this out!...

These were so bad I couldn’t save them. Cut em off and weld on completely new ones (with real bushings).

 

[06 H3]

Check this out!...

These were so bad I couldn’t save them. Cut em off and weld on completely new ones (with real bushings).

Are they shorter then stock? May reduce lift which is nice!

 

[JPaul]

Doesn't look like they are, just more compact. Pretty sure the bushing is already basically right up against the frame rail as stock.

 

[Jack_M]

4 speed where did you get those at they look really solid! Mine are not that bad but they do have some rot on them, might be a good idea to change them out.

 

[4speedfunk]

RuffStuff.

 

[Jack_M]

Ok so for an update when pressing the bushing in a small piece of the ear broke off. Going with the Ruffstuff mount for sure. From their page my measurements came out to 3 1/16” wide for the shackle mount. 4 speed does that sound about what you got? Went to talk to the local shop about my idea and they won’t do it for liability reasons. I even said I would pay cash so there would be no paper trail so now I have to find someone GOOD to do it. Any suggestions between northern Michigan and Kentucky where I’m working? My only issue will be scheduling a time to get it in. Thanks everyone for all of your help! I know I don’t post much but I do read everything here!

 

[4speedfunk]

Ding! I’m located between Indy and Bloomington, IN. I can either press in some new Siberian bushings (urethane versions of OEM), or cut and weld on some RuffStuff bushings. To be honest...yours don’t look that bad. Any shop should be able to install some Siberian bushings in a couple hours.

While you’re at it, I would strongly recommend doing the leaf spring bushings as well (also Siberian urethane versions).

PM me if interested. I’m available May and June of 2021.