New Spindle Arm Bushings

[lmitch]

I ordered a new Tie Rod Bolt Set that includes the Spindle Arm Bushings. I installed the bushings last weekend and the bolts appear to be too tight. Do I need to ream the bushings after installation? The Tie Rod Bolts may have to be "pressed in" otherwise.

[Norman Kling]

Yes. And you need to find someone who has the proper tool. It has a rod which goes all the way through both bushings with the reemer at one end and a facing tool on it so that the surface is flat and fits between the axle ends. This space changes with wear on the axle and sometimes the axle also needs facing. I wish I could post a picture of this tool, but I don't have one. There are a couple club members in the area which do and I borrowed theirs when I re-bushed my spindles. If you oil frequently, they last a long time. I use sae90 differential oil which is a bit thicker than engine oil.

[dmdeaton]

Norman
I think he means the bushings in the spindle arms. I just pressed new ones in that came with the bolt kit and they didn’t need reamed. I used a driver with the step so the bushing didn’t deform . The reamer is the same size as spring shackle bushings if needed. 14.5 mm?

[Steve Jelf]

Norm is describing spindle pin (king pin) bushings. The spindle arm bushings don't need to be faced, but they may need to be reamed for the bolts to fit. Instead of the stock steel bushings for spindle arms and shackles, I buy bronze bushings by size because I'd rather wear out the bushings than the bolts and shackles.

[Original Smith]

Ford changed to steel bushings at some point. I prefer to use brass or bronze, so I don't wear the tie rod bolt. I ream them to fit the bolt, but facing is not required.