Axle Pivot Bushings

My latest project on the '81 F100 is upgrading the front axle beams. I'm in the middle of swapping in a pair of '95-'96 beams and thought I'd pass some information on so no one else has to do the job twice...

I installed Energy Suspension pivot bushings in the beams before installation. What I learned is that on 1987 and newer trucks, the bushings are 2.03" long (wide?), while on 1986 and earlier trucks, the bushings measure 1.80". I learned this while installing the axles, working alone, and found that my "new" axles wouldn't fit into the frame brackets.

Just a warning to anyone else doing a swap such as this! The metal shells that you save and reuse with poly bushings are the same dimensions on all years, so remember to order bushings for the truck they're being installed in, not the year of the donor truck that the axles came from.

If anyone needs a set of '87-'96 bushings, let me know. They're up for grabs... Sheesh!

Good to know.  Thanks for sharing.  

That's what we're here for!

Great info Myrl,

Is this difference is specific to the 2wd half ton chassis?

I spent some time looking through the parts listings this morning while having my coffee (Both Rock Auto and Energy Suspension), and it looks like the 4x4 bushings were the same from 1980-1996, but that the 2wd bushings were specific to 1980-1986, and 1987-1996.

Rock Auto must be full of mistakes, because their listings were all over the place for fitment.

I was curious because I have to order pivot bushings at some point for my 1995 chassis, but I wanted to make sure they were easy to order.

It looks like Ford bounced back and forth on the two sizes. As far as 4x2 trucks go, Energy's website shows that the smaller bushings to fit 80-86 F150, and the larger bushings fitting 87-96 F150. However, if you have a F250 or F350 series or a 4x4, the fitment varies by year.