So... the front two (the plastic shell ones) are a bit oversized compared to the bore. Some older posts recommend chamfering an end of the bushing and then apply a bit of grease. Is this still the generally accepted best practice?

The machine shop here charges $35/bushing and I have the entire truck to do. I'm going to just go to HF and get one of their presses tomorrow. 12-ton vs 20-ton... I'm assuming go with the 20?

 

Good video by Bearmach Trailfitter uses a large bench vice vs a press. Tip was to use a drill sand paper wheel to prepare the bores.

 

Saw that video but they were poly bushes, which are a lot easier to install than oem rubber bois.

 

If 12 is good, 20 is better! It's just a larger bottle jack in the frame. The key is to get the bushing straight as you press it in. It will naturally straighten up as it moves but the start is critical. A chamfer sounds like a good idea to start it, but just be careful it doesn't lean.

 

Welp… got the 20 ton. The frame bushings (metal) went in easy peasy. Froze them overnight and put a small bit of grease in the bore.

The axle bushings (plastic) exploded. So that’s nice.

 

Holy **** I'm literally so dumb. I didn't realize the front bushings were smaller than the rears. I tried to install rears. No wonder this one died. Will try again tomorrow with the properly sized ones.

 

Laughing with you, brother. We've all been there, or somewhere very similar. Keep on keeping on.

 

Haha, hey I guess it's a testament to the power of the 20 ton lol. Did't even break a sweat pushing that as far as it did lol

 

I made the same mistake, I was able to get them out (poly). Also went with the screw type bushing tools on amazon. I have no space for a press (gave mine out long ago, garage is long overfilled)

 

Reading is fundamental!