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Replacing radius arms bushings on 83, 4x4

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Grit40

Replacing radius arms bushings on 83, 4x4

I’ve searched the forums, probably incorrectly, and couldn’t find what I was looking for. I’m trying to replace my ale pivot bushings and the radius arms bushings on my 1983 4x4 F150. I’ve be able to replace all except the passenger side radius arms bushings. I can’t get enough drop or rotation the clear the bracket. Do I need to remove the axle to get my droop? I looked at grinding the rivets off, but it looks like I have clearance issues with my 4 1/2” grinder. Any help would be appreciated.
Greg

Greg
1983 F150 SWB 4X4
302 w/ 3SPOD
Enterprise, Al

Gary Lewis

Re: Replacing radius arms bushings on 83, 4x4

Administrator

I've been able to pull the axle forward enough to get the radius arm out of the bracket. Do you have anything near you can put a comealong on to pull?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Grit40

Re: Replacing radius arms bushings on 83, 4x4

Thought about using a come-along I was worried about the stress it would place on the front end. Plus I don’t really have anything close I can confidently attach it to. I had to pry the axle pivot point down and I was barely able to get clearance to replace the bushing. Everything on the passenger side seems to have less room to move things around.

Greg
1983 F150 SWB 4X4
302 w/ 3SPOD
Enterprise, Al

Gary Lewis

Re: Replacing radius arms bushings on 83, 4x4

Administrator

I don't think the stress is an issue. The TTB's are mounted in rubber and you are just compressing it when you pull the axle forward. So can you attach to the front of the frame or the bumper?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Grit40

Re: Replacing radius arms bushings on 83, 4x4

Thanks, just finished. I used the come along ripped out a chunk of the yard using a wedge anchor 😄then dug out a 150’ of chain and hooked to a tree. A little sweat and a couple curse words and job done. Thanks for your advice.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 6, 2020, at 10:40, Gary Lewis [via Bullnose Enthusiasts] <[hidden email]> wrote:
>

Greg
1983 F150 SWB 4X4
302 w/ 3SPOD
Enterprise, Al

Gary Lewis

Re: Replacing radius arms bushings on 83, 4x4

Administrator

Glad you got it done!

I’ll bet it will make a big difference in the way the truck drives.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Gsmblue

Re: Replacing radius arms bushings on 83, 4x4

This job is on my list too... as well as many others!

1985.5 F-150 XL Explorer standard cab 5.0 EFI AOD 4x4
Daily Driver. We call her Eunice the Ute.

1982 Bronco XLT Lariat 351W AOD 4x4
Code name Esperanza, or Espy to her friends. Please see my Project thread for the blow by blow.

1984 F-350 XL Centurion crew cab 460 T19 4x4
"Eylza Dual-little"

myrl883

Re: Replacing radius arms bushings on 83, 4x4

Perfect advice! That's how I do it, too. It seems a bit rude to pull the axle that far forward with a comealong, but there's plenty of compliance on the pivot bushings.

Ford Parts Monkey since 1985
1981 F100 Flareside - Black, 302-4V Roller/AOD
1986 F150 Flareside - Medium Fire Red 302/AOD
1989 F150 Standard Cab 4x4 - Dk Shadow Blue 302/AOD
1993 F350 4x4 Crew Cab - 7.3 IDI/ZF-5
I think it's a sickness...