Front leaf rebuild

[DiverDwnPowrRam]

Just finished rebuilding my 86 W250 leafs. Well in reality I did a full length add a leaf.
Some of the things i had to do are as follows:
Cut both front eye bolts out with a reciprocating saw, make sure you have plenty of blades.
I burned out all the rubber bushings with a torch. i heated the eyelets for about 8 minutes and as the rubber started to swell I took a punch and knocked them out.
I used PB Blaster on the outside metal bushings and let them soak for about six hours and then put a 4 inch bolt through a deep 3/4 inch socket and beat them out with a 2.5lb sledge..wished i had a press.

In rebuilding the leafs I used rough country full length add a leafs. On each end of the leaf i drilled (PIA) two 7/16 holes for the pads. i decided to add the pads because it does quiet the leafs and it makes them look more factory.

I got the pads and some really sweet rebound clips from Mickey over at http://www.eatonsprings.com/ I highly recommend them as they will walk you through the entire process, which being a suspension novice as myself is reassuring.

I am not sure if putting anti sieze on urathane bushings is cool but after what i saw on my rig i just did it. As a matter of fact i anti siezed everything. The bushings i got were Daystar 1" bushings...I measured wrong and thought I had 1.25" but you must take the inner sleeve off and with this out i saw i was measuring in the wrong place. The bushing came from http://www.4wheelparts.com/

I have to say I am really pleased with the work, sure i know i could have bought already made leafs for $200 but I still would have to cut them PIA front bolts out and if i am going to get dirty then i will do everything from scratch...total time to do this was almost 15 hours...i am sure my next time (F that!) will not be so long.

[3834B]

An air chissel would of helped drive out the front bolts and a universal ball joint kit will push the old bushings out with ease. The old saying "there's a tool for every job" still rings true today.

Your good on the anti-seize. When I tore down the rear axle on my project the left brake drum would not budge. Beat it into submission with a 3lb carburetor adjuster. A little anti-seize around the flange on the axle would of worked miracles.

I worked for a farmer who would put anti-seize on his toast. Most of which was left over on his hands. Anyways, glad it worked out and Cheers to Anti-Seize.

[bherder]

In rebuilding the leafs I used rough country full length add a leafs. On each end of the leaf i drilled (PIA) two 7/16 holes for the pads.

Good GAWD .... I tried that once.... LEAF SPRING STEEL???
It basically laughs at a 'normal' HS drill bit... I ended up getting pissed and burned a hole though it with an arc welder (Was using the metal for something other than a leaf spring...)

I agree with 383 about the anti-sneeze .... I'd pile that stuff on like frosting on a cheap wedding cake.... I just wished you could still get the copper stuff... THE best....

So, how far did you jump when you got that little center bolt that holds the leafs together, apart, and everything went flying everywhere? :D Or were you smart enough (Unlike myself, at least the FIRST time, and hold everything together with a big-assed C-Clamp?)

So how ya like the Rancho Add-a-Leafs? A lot of 'bang-for-the-buck' doncha' think? I've used them several times and have always been pleased with the results...

[DiverDwnPowrRam]

The C clamp i did remember. The biggest PIA was drilling the holes..I think each hole I had to regrind the drill bit by hand about two or three times...by hand not with a drill doctor...funny part was that I also had to drill by hand very slowly as my 1965 sears drill press would only do 1600 rpms min.
I love the add a leaf as it brought my ride height back up to where it should have been and there is not any tire rub when making severe turns. I still cannot imagine a W250 heavy duty with a three leaf 1600lb front.

[Megunticook]

I agree with 383 about the anti-sneeze .... I'd pile that stuff on like frosting on a cheap wedding cake.... I just wished you could still get the copper stuff... THE best....
I've seen antiseize with ground-up copper several places online and my local CarQuest I think carries the Permatex copper antiseize--it's definitely around. Although I have read that the nickel stuff is the very best, at least to prevent stainless galling...

I can relate to the sawzall routine, Diver--had to cut all four bolts off my rear springs that way. Went through an 8-pack of high-grade blades, and if you added up all the time it took it must've been a good hour or more. Feels great when you get the last one off, though, doesn't it?

[DiverDwnPowrRam]

It was the very best feeling because that last bolt was AFTER I drilled the leafs.