1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

Hello,

I am trying to install a pete and jakes front shock kit in my 40 p/u that requires replacement of the original shackle with one from the kit that includes a mount for the lower shock. It appears that I need to remove the shackle bushings from both the spring and wishbone to fit the new shackle hardware. Can someone please advise how to remove these bushings? Can it be done with the spring and and wishbone installed in the truck? Thanks!

Re: 1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

First, get yourself a spring spreader so you can remove the spring safely. Then,work on the bushings. You can make a spreader or rent a porta- power. Read all this:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...pring+spreader

Re: 1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

After you get the spring safely disconnected, this is what I do: I run a drill bit through the bushing parallel to the shackle stud. Do this all around the stud to chew up the bushing material. Then you can use a hammer to drive out the threaded stud. Clean the remaining bushing material out and you can see that there is a sleeve remaining in the eye that must be removed. Run a hacksaw blade into the eye and carefully cut the sleeve being careful not to cut into and damage the eye of the spring or mount. You can then peel the bushing sleeve out of the eye.

Re: 1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

Thanks guys....This is where I'm a little lost...it appears to me like the bushing and shackle threaded stud are one piece....can you confirm? If so, will this process work with both the spring and wishbone connection?
Thanks

Re: 1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

You should know that this is a difficult task, like many required on these old Fords. I remember the first time I tried it; after 15 minutes I had decided that it was impossible to do. The advice given so far is good; there are no short cuts (save some very rare expensive specialized tools). So, you'll just have to keep at it until you get them out. Keep a stiff upper lip and persevere. (This, and other tasks, are why some people have Chevrolet's.)

Re: 1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

There were special tools to do the removal and installation. But for one time applications is not worth trying to locate them or fabricate something. The method provided is the way to go, it is a lot of work!

Re: 1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

The shackle stud runs through an asbestos/rubber or some such fabric. You run the drill bit beside the stud and through the bushing. I have heard of some who heat the bushing until it is soft and drive out the stud. Both sides of the shackle are the same.

Maybe Mart has a video on this subject.

Re: 1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

Thanks everyone! I did find some older threads with some pics helping me understand a little better. A lot of work for sure!!

Re: 1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

K R Wilson has a tool set that first pulls the threaded steel stud out of the shackle bushing then a second tool that is placed through the hole left by the removed steel stud, it pulls out the steel shackle bushing. Tool does no damage to the front end parts as a hammer or drill may do. The tools below are a reproduction of the KRWs

Re: 1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

Does anyone reproduce these tools?

Re: 1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

They can be made at home or with assistance of a local machine shop and some welding. They are not reproduced and sold. Can also obtain originals from Ebay sales of KRW tools. There is a web site that sells small amounts of the material and local hardware stores carry nuts and bolts.

Re: 1940 Ford P/U Front Spring Shackle Bushing removal
 

When I was a young high school kid with a 40 sedan [1962] a local 40 guy gave me one of those tools to remove my bushings. I had destroyed several of my Dads craftsman sockets trying to beat them out. Thanks to Craftsman for their replacement policy, although the tool dept guy sure gave me funny looks. I had a box of tools that the guy gave me, then was without an old Ford for awhile and my Dad tossed em. Sure wish he hadn't.