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8 1/4 rear axle u-bolt size
#421377 November 02nd 2010 1:09 pm
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Reed Offline OP
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I am going to be replacing the rear leaf springs and rebuilding the rear suspension on my brother's 83 Dodge shorty van. It is a 1/2 ton suspension with an 8 1/4 rear axle. What size u-bolts do I need? I'm too lazy to go outside and grab a measuring tape....

Also, can anyone offer any tips on removing the oval bushings from the front eye of the springs?

Last edited by Reed; November 02nd 2010 1:32 pm.

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Re: 8 1/4 rear axle u-bolt size
Reed #421411 November 02nd 2010 3:04 pm
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Try a measuring tape. lol


The one time that I actually changed the fixed bushings, I had to have them pressed out because the bushings are encased in a metal sleeve.


Nate Breece
Re: 8 1/4 rear axle u-bolt size
NateB #421413 November 02nd 2010 3:10 pm
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Ha ha. I guess I'll have to go find a tape measure and measure it myself. Dang, you guys sure do make things difficult sometimes... lol

I actually am anticipating pressing the bushings out, I even have an arbor press I intend on using to do it. I was just wondering if anyone else had experience pressing these particular bushings and if they had any tips.

Since i am upgrading form the 1400 pound rated springs to the 1800 pound rated springs, my plan was to go get a junkyard set of 1800 pound springs and clean them up and get all the bushings pressed in place and get the new u-bolts ready to go so the actual rear suspension rebuild would go quickly. just drop the old springs, cut the u-bolts, slide the springs out, slide the new springs in, bolt everything back up, and be done. I am hoping to not even have to remove the tires, driveshaft, or crack the brake line. We'll see.


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Re: 8 1/4 rear axle u-bolt size
Reed #421662 November 03rd 2010 12:58 pm
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I have never been able to press out old bushings. Unless you have a 50 ton press with all the right blocks it's near impossible to press old rusty bushings out. I normally burn the bushings out with a propane torch. Once the rubber and center sleeve is out, cut the outer sleeve gently with a hack saw to just about through and using a chisel tap the sleeve in toward the center and down till it rips at your cut and compresses enough to slide it out.


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Re: 8 1/4 rear axle u-bolt size
Superbeast #421681 November 03rd 2010 1:55 pm
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Crap. That's just wat I didn't want to hear. Oh well. I'll give it a go anyway. I was able to replace the front control arm bushings on my brother's 74 Duster using my one ton press, so maybe I will get lucky.


Windows- they're what make a van worth owning!
Re: 8 1/4 rear axle u-bolt size
Reed #421963 November 04th 2010 1:02 pm
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Good luck, but control arm bushings are a lot different. You never know though, you may get lucky!


Ken Schwarz
Tricky Truckers, N.J.
Van Clan Plus One, Canada
Manse Vans, Finland
Rebel Vanners, N.J. "USA"
Toopa Sinner Tribe, N.C.

www.showvans.com

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/360991

[Linked Image]

"Coolness ALWAYS trumps comfort"
Re: 8 1/4 rear axle u-bolt size
Superbeast #425727 November 19th 2010 10:42 pm
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3" axle think was what i bought in perches but too lazy to confirm it

Re: 8 1/4 rear axle u-bolt size
BenDodge #425732 November 19th 2010 11:04 pm
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Yup, they were 3 inches inside diameter.

I got lucky- the bushings in the junkyard leaf springs I got were in decent shape, so I let them, be. Because I had all the parts and tools lined up and ready to go, it took a touch under two hours from start to finish to swap both rear leaf springs. I didn't even disconnect the brake lines or driveshaft. Heh!


Windows- they're what make a van worth owning!

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