front frame spring shackle bushings

[jimmy]

Were do I get new bushings for the top front shackles. the ones in the frame, how hard are they to change?

thanks;

Update: Please read this post; then follow link below for updated info.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=32041

[crusty]

I would try a spring shop. They usually have tons of stuff. I have my bushing mounts out, so if I can find them, I can measure the size for the bushings if you want.

[jimmy]

That would be great, but don't spend to much time looking.

[Lowdown]

I've torn down both my D200 and W200 niether of which had rubber bushings within the frame mounts for shackles on the front springs.
The front shackles on the D200 came out super easier so I can confirm it's a a greased steel to steel connection.
On the other hand, the W200 was locked up solid so I just cut the hardware to get the springs off the frame..

[crusty]

I just measured, and mine are 7/8" diameter, and like Lowdown said, no bushing. I wonder if there should be a thin bronze one in there?? Definitely seems too thin for any kind of rubber or poly bushing

[jimmy]

Are we talking about the same thing? my truck is a 69'. The rubber bushing in the frame that the top shackle bolt swings in.
Front spring pack.
thanks;

[Lowdown]

I'm pretty sure we're talking the same. Front springs; front of the front springs, where the shackle bolts into the frame.
No rubber bushings there on either my '66 D200 or '68W200. Do the top bolts on your shackles have grease fittings on the bolt heads?
If I remember correctly, the outer shackle plate and the greaseable pin are one piece. The inside shackle plate is a second piece.
To assemble, you slide the greaseable pin/outer shackle plate through the the frame hanger, then fit up the inside plate, run the nut on,
fit up the spring, slide the lower bolt through the outer shackle plate, through the spring eye, through the inner plate then run the nut on.

[crusty]

That's the piece. Mine had 3 holes mounting it to the frame. In the picture, just behind the C channel, you can see the hole where the mount goes in the frame. Have you actually seen the bushing? My truck might be different because it is titled as a 68, but the frame has all the appearances of a newer one; however lowdown's frames should be the older ones, given the years.

[jimmy]

non greaseable!. I have not seen new bushings however the bushings in the frame are Rubber with a metal sleave inside for the bolt to ride in.
I'm not sure what the outer part of the bushing looks like. I would think it would be metal.
I called our big spring shop in Spokane and they could not tell me what it is.
I know that 69' was a change year for stuff, this must be one of the changes.

[crusty]

definitely take pictures when you get it taken apart. It would be interesting to see what it is like. Who knows, maybe it will make a good reference for someone else in the future.

[jimmy]

you got it!

[W20071]

non greaseable!. I have not seen new bushings however the bushings in the frame are Rubber with a metal sleave inside for the bolt to ride in.
I'm not sure what the outer part of the bushing looks like. I would think it would be metal.
I called our big spring shop in Spokane and they could not tell me what it is.
I know that 69' was a change year for stuff, this must be one of the changes.

I am almost certain they changed in 69 for at least the 200 series. I have owned all years from 68 to 71 and the only one with grease zerks was the 68. Although they are cracked where visible, I haven't changed mine on the 71 because they still swing freely but have no play otherwise. Just a suggestion: You may want to check with NAPA, I found the rear spring bushings for my 68 coronet through them after i had checked with several spring shops.

[jimmy]

I've been alittle busy, getting ready for Holidays, Installed a 79' ford Van tilt column in my truck, replace the CRAPPY Summit carb with a sweet holley I found on CL, you know the usualy things!
W20071 - I just noticed your post. I will check with napa.
Thanks, I called the big spring shop in Spokane again and they seemed to know less this time than last time.

[FredM]

Is ESPO still around?

they had it all at one time

http://www.springsnthings.com/

[DukePW]

No ESPO doesn't have anything for that end of the shackle but has just about everything else. I called them about a year ago about the same problem. I'm watching this thread close, I want to know the same thing.

[jimmy]

I called Napa, he said they have to special order them. I'm only asuming they are talking about the correct part.
I may order them tomorrow. I'll let everyone know what I come up with.

[712edf]

I called Napa, he said they have to special order them. I'm only asuming they are talking about the correct part.

When it comes to Dodge parts......

If it's in stock then it is incorrect.

If you have to special order then 50/50.

If it is no longer available, then yes its the correct part.

Bucky

[jimmy]

It's funny cuz it's true.
I went to a Napa yesterday that I don't use I was just killing time.
The guy looked up the part and said he showed the same part as the spring eye bushing. I had him look up a 70' rather than a 69'.
What ever it is it looks like the newer 70 & 71 rather than the older 68' trucks. I'll figure it out someday. Now I'm wandering if it is the same as the spring eye?????

[crusty]

What year did the frames change? I know there are some differences such as the trans mount, maybe the front bushings as well?

[jimmy]

It think 69' but maybe like alot of things it could have been a mid year change.
I finaly got a rear bumper mounted and finished my tilt column so I can start the bushing search.

Crusty- how is the move coming? Hope well!