Alright, Mopar enthusiasts, let's dive into a crucial aspect of maintaining your classic B-body: replacing those leaf spring bushings. These little guys play a huge role in your car's ride quality, handling, and overall safety. Worn-out bushings can lead to a whole host of problems, from a noisy and uncomfortable ride to compromised handling and even potential damage to other suspension components. So, if you're noticing clunking sounds, excessive body roll, or just a generally vague feeling in the rear end of your Mopar, it's probably time to give those leaf spring bushings some attention.

Replacing leaf spring bushings might sound intimidating, but with the right tools, a bit of patience, and this comprehensive guide, you can totally tackle this project in your own garage. We'll walk you through each step of the process, from gathering the necessary tools and parts to safely removing the old bushings and installing the new ones. Plus, we'll throw in some helpful tips and tricks to make the job easier and ensure a professional-quality result. So, grab your wrenches, put on your favorite tunes, and let's get started!

Why Replace Leaf Spring Bushings?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the replacement process, let's take a moment to understand why these bushings are so important and what happens when they wear out. Leaf spring bushings are essentially the cushions that sit between the leaf springs and the car's frame. They're typically made of rubber or polyurethane, and their job is to absorb vibrations, reduce noise, and allow the suspension to move smoothly. Over time, these bushings can deteriorate due to age, exposure to the elements, and the constant stress of supporting the vehicle's weight. When this happens, you might experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Increased Noise: Worn bushings can cause clunking, squeaking, or rattling sounds, especially when going over bumps or during acceleration and braking.
• Poor Handling: Bad bushings can lead to excessive body roll, making the car feel unstable and difficult to control, especially in corners.
• Rough Ride: Deteriorated bushings can transmit more vibrations and road harshness to the cabin, resulting in a less comfortable ride.
• Uneven Tire Wear: In some cases, worn suspension components can contribute to uneven tire wear.
• Potential Damage to Other Components: Neglecting worn bushings can put extra stress on other suspension parts, such as the leaf springs themselves, potentially leading to further damage.

Replacing your leaf spring bushings is not just about improving ride quality and handling; it's also about ensuring the safety and longevity of your Mopar. By addressing this issue promptly, you can prevent more serious problems down the road and keep your classic Mopar running smoothly for years to come.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Okay, before you start tearing into your suspension, let's make sure you have everything you need for the job. Here’s a comprehensive list of tools and materials you should gather:

• New Leaf Spring Bushings: This is the most important part! Make sure you get the correct bushings for your specific Mopar B-body model and year. You can choose between rubber or polyurethane bushings. Polyurethane bushings are generally more durable and offer better performance, but they can also be a bit stiffer, which might result in a slightly harsher ride. Rubber bushings are closer to the original factory spec and provide a more compliant ride.
• Jack and Jack Stands: Safety first! You'll need a good quality jack to lift the car and jack stands to securely support it while you're working underneath.
• Wheel Chocks: Place these behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling.
• Sockets and Wrenches: A variety of sizes will be needed to remove the leaf spring bolts and other suspension components. Make sure you have both standard and metric sizes.
• Torque Wrench: Essential for tightening the bolts to the correct specifications during reassembly.
• Penetrating Oil: This will help loosen any rusted or seized bolts.
• Hammer: You might need a hammer to tap out the old bushings or to persuade stubborn bolts to move.
• Punch or Drift: These can be used to help drive out the old bushings.
• Bushing Press or C-Clamp: A bushing press is the ideal tool for removing and installing bushings, but a large C-clamp can also work in some cases.
• Socket or Piece of Pipe Slightly Smaller Than the Bushing: This will be used with the bushing press or C-clamp to push out the old bushings.
• Grease or Lubricant: To lubricate the new bushings during installation.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Shop Rags: For cleaning up messes.

Having all these tools and materials on hand before you start will make the job much smoother and more efficient. Trust me, you don't want to get halfway through the project and realize you're missing a crucial tool!

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

Alright, let's get down to business! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to replacing your Mopar B-body leaf spring bushings. Remember to work safely and take your time. If you're not comfortable with any of these steps, it's always best to consult a qualified mechanic.

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

• Safety First: Park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the front wheels.
• Loosen Lug Nuts: Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels before lifting the car.
• Raise and Support the Vehicle: Use a jack to lift the rear of the car and place jack stands securely under the frame rails. Make sure the jack stands are properly rated to support the weight of your vehicle.
• Remove the Wheels: Remove the rear wheels to give you access to the leaf springs.

Step 2: Disconnect the Shocks

• Locate the Shocks: Find the lower shock mounts, which are typically attached to the leaf spring mounting plate.
• Remove the Bolts: Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts securing the shocks to the leaf spring mounting plate. You may need to use penetrating oil to loosen any rusted bolts.
• Detach the Shocks: Carefully detach the shocks from the leaf spring mounting plate and set them aside.

Step 3: Disconnect the Sway Bar (If Equipped)

• Locate the Sway Bar End Links: If your Mopar is equipped with a sway bar, locate the end links that connect the sway bar to the leaf spring mounting plate.
• Remove the Bolts: Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts securing the sway bar end links. Again, penetrating oil can be helpful here.
• Detach the Sway Bar: Disconnect the sway bar end links from the leaf spring mounting plate and set the sway bar aside.

Step 4: Remove the Leaf Spring Mounting Plate

• Support the Axle: Place a jack under the rear axle to support its weight. This will prevent the axle from dropping suddenly when you remove the leaf spring.
• Remove the U-Bolts: Locate the U-bolts that hold the leaf spring mounting plate to the axle. Use a wrench or socket to remove the nuts from the U-bolts. You may need to use penetrating oil to loosen the nuts.
• Remove the Mounting Plate: Carefully remove the leaf spring mounting plate from the axle. Be careful not to damage the brake lines or other components.

Step 5: Remove the Leaf Spring

• Locate the Leaf Spring Bolts: Find the bolts that secure the leaf spring to the front and rear hangers on the car's frame. These bolts are usually quite large and may be rusted or seized.
• Apply Penetrating Oil: Generously apply penetrating oil to the leaf spring bolts and let it soak in for several minutes. This will help loosen the bolts and make them easier to remove.
• Remove the Bolts: Use a wrench or socket to remove the leaf spring bolts. You may need to use a breaker bar or impact wrench to break the bolts loose. If the bolts are severely rusted, you may need to use a torch to heat them up before attempting to remove them. Be extremely careful when using a torch near fuel lines or other flammable materials.
• Remove the Leaf Spring: Once the bolts are removed, carefully remove the leaf spring from the car. It may be heavy, so get a helper if needed.

Step 6: Remove the Old Bushings

• Inspect the Leaf Spring Eyes: Examine the leaf spring eyes (the holes where the bushings are located) for any damage or corrosion. Clean the eyes with a wire brush if necessary.
• Use a Bushing Press or C-Clamp: This is where the bushing press or C-clamp comes in handy. Position the leaf spring in the press or clamp so that the old bushing is aligned with the opening.
• Press Out the Bushing: Use the press or clamp to slowly and carefully push the old bushing out of the leaf spring eye. You may need to use a socket or piece of pipe that is slightly smaller than the bushing to help push it out. If the bushing is stuck, you can try heating the leaf spring eye with a torch to help loosen it.
• Repeat for All Bushings: Repeat this process for all the bushings in the leaf spring.

Step 7: Install the New Bushings

• Clean the Leaf Spring Eyes: Make sure the leaf spring eyes are clean and free of any debris. You can use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean them.
• Lubricate the New Bushings: Apply a generous amount of grease or lubricant to the new bushings. This will help them slide into the leaf spring eyes more easily.
• Press in the New Bushings: Position the new bushing in the leaf spring eye and use the bushing press or C-clamp to press it into place. Make sure the bushing is properly aligned and seated correctly.
• Repeat for All Bushings: Repeat this process for all the new bushings.

Step 8: Reinstall the Leaf Spring

• Position the Leaf Spring: Carefully position the leaf spring back into the car, aligning the bolt holes with the hangers on the frame.
• Install the Bolts: Insert the leaf spring bolts through the hangers and the leaf spring eyes. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque using a torque wrench.

Step 9: Reinstall the Leaf Spring Mounting Plate

• Position the Mounting Plate: Place the leaf spring mounting plate back onto the axle, aligning the U-bolt holes.
• Install the U-Bolts: Install the U-bolts and tighten the nuts to the specified torque.

Step 10: Reconnect the Sway Bar (If Equipped) and Shocks

• Reconnect the Sway Bar: Reconnect the sway bar end links to the leaf spring mounting plate and tighten the bolts.
• Reconnect the Shocks: Reattach the shocks to the leaf spring mounting plate and tighten the bolts.

Step 11: Reinstall the Wheels

• Install the Wheels: Mount the wheels back onto the car and tighten the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the car to the ground and remove the jack stands.
• Torque the Lug Nuts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Important Tips and Tricks

• Use Penetrating Oil Generously: Don't be shy about using penetrating oil on any rusted or seized bolts. Apply it liberally and let it soak in for as long as possible.
• Heat Can Help: If you're having trouble removing stubborn bolts or bushings, applying heat with a torch can often help. However, be extremely careful when using a torch near fuel lines or other flammable materials.
• Use the Right Tools: Using the right tools for the job will make the process much easier and safer. A bushing press is highly recommended for removing and installing bushings.
• Take Your Time: Don't rush the job. Take your time and work carefully to avoid damaging any components.
• Consult a Professional: If you're not comfortable with any of these steps, it's always best to consult a qualified mechanic.

Choosing the Right Bushings: Rubber vs. Polyurethane

When it comes to replacing your leaf spring bushings, you'll typically have two main options: rubber and polyurethane. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs and preferences.

Rubber Bushings

• Pros:
  • Original Factory Spec: Rubber bushings are the closest to the original factory specification, providing a ride and handling feel that is similar to what your Mopar had when it was new.
  • Compliant Ride: Rubber bushings are more compliant than polyurethane bushings, which means they absorb vibrations and road harshness more effectively, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride.
  • Quieter Operation: Rubber bushings tend to be quieter than polyurethane bushings, as they don't transmit as much noise and vibration.
• Cons:
  • Less Durable: Rubber bushings are generally less durable than polyurethane bushings and may wear out more quickly, especially in harsh conditions.
  • Softer Handling: Rubber bushings can allow for more body roll and less precise handling compared to polyurethane bushings.

Polyurethane Bushings

• Pros:
  • Increased Durability: Polyurethane bushings are much more durable than rubber bushings and can withstand more stress and wear.
  • Improved Handling: Polyurethane bushings are stiffer than rubber bushings, which can reduce body roll and improve handling, especially in corners.
  • Resistance to Chemicals: Polyurethane is resistant to oil, grease, and other chemicals that can degrade rubber bushings.
• Cons:
  • Harsher Ride: Polyurethane bushings can transmit more vibrations and road harshness to the cabin, resulting in a firmer and less comfortable ride.
  • Noisier Operation: Polyurethane bushings can sometimes squeak or creak, especially when they are new or not properly lubricated.
  • More Expensive: Polyurethane bushings are typically more expensive than rubber bushings.

Ultimately, the choice between rubber and polyurethane bushings depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize ride comfort and a factory-like feel, rubber bushings are a good choice. If you're looking for improved handling and durability, polyurethane bushings may be a better option. Keep in mind, some people like to use both! For example, using polyurethane on the leaf spring eyes and rubber on the shackles, or vice versa.

Conclusion

Replacing your Mopar B-body leaf spring bushings is a worthwhile project that can significantly improve your car's ride quality, handling, and safety. By following this guide and taking your time, you can tackle this job in your own garage and save yourself some money. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you're not comfortable with any of the steps. With your new bushings installed, you'll be able to enjoy a smoother, quieter, and more confident ride in your classic Mopar. Now get wrenching!