Axle Pivot Bushings

[Kurt]

Anyone install the energy suspension axle pivot bushings? I have part #4-3119 and they do not fit. They are about 1/4" to long they don't fit in the bracket. Energy Suspension said they don't make one for the 1995 lightning. So I called the dealer to see if they show two different ones they only show one. Energy said to try to cut them to fit? I don't want to do that. Any help would be welcome.

Thanks,
Kurt
1995 white

 

[Zap]

I put them on my '93 and they "fit". I had to use Teflon marine grease and spread out the mounting area. I did the radius arm bushings and it did make a big difference. BTW energy has the name , but I have found them to be arrogant and of no help. They do not even return their WD's calls, so we don't stand a chance!

 

[fordfreak95]

Sorry man, but they need to be cut! You don't want to spread that bracket out like that. It will crack over time. You need to remove a little more than a 1/4" for them to fit right. I cut my inner sleeve down until it was a little longer than the factory one, then cut the bushings to match. It all went together real nice and the stearing feal is GREAT!! I have done the axle pivot bushings(needed to be cut),the radius arm bushings(fit perfect out of the box),the front sway bar(good fit out of box)),front sway bar end links(need to be cut),and the rear sway bar kit(fit good out of box). I will be doing the rest of the bushings this summer. Good luck!

 

[Zap]

I did not have to cut mine, the spread was accomplished by using a pry bar and they slid in. There are production variences. Try it both ways. My radius arm bushings went in fine. Remember to put the heat shield on the passenger's side.

 

[Kurt]

Thanks for the responses. I was afraid I would have to do some trimming. How did you cut the sleeve and the bushing straight? I'm not sure of the best way to cut the poly.

Thanks,
Kurt
95 White

 

[Lightning Struck]

I installed mine with a bottle jack actually..Once I got the old ones out, and put the new ones in the eyes I just used a bottle jack, and me(I had the radius arm out at the same time so I had to pivot the Ibeam so the bushing was perpendicular) and just jacked them into place...

Relatively easy install I thought..

 

[George G.]

Hey for those of you that have replaced the axle pivot bushings, can you do this with the truck on ramps or do you have to have the front wheels suspended in mid air? I'm not sure if there is any tension with these parts and if you have to raise the truck a certain way to release tension....kinda like when doing front springs.

 

[Kurt]

Stang_460 you will need to support the front of the truck on the frame. The suspension will be hanging take the wheel off remove the bolt to the axle then pry down the axle so you can get to the bushing. Use a bottle jack or floor jack to raise the axle back into the bracket. Word of caution I am having to "cut" the new poly bushing to fit mine was to long. Some have done this and others have been able to spread the bracket. Hope this helps.

Later,
Kurt
95 White