Before I do something stupid (rear bushings)...

[72stepside]

I just want to make sure that if I go with Poly bushings, the metal casing pointed out in the pic below has to come out (it will undoubtably be destroyed in the removal process). If I go with rubber bushings, it stays in.



To get it out, I will cut it with a hacksaw then collapse it in on itself and punch it out.

[wt4speed#2]

It presses out .It has to come out either way. New ones rubber or poly "should " come encased in metal sleeve.

[Nausea]

New rubber ones may or may not come with a sleeve (check with manufacturer)... but I do know Energy's poly sets are designed for NO sleeve - they have a lip as a spacer and just fit directly inside the shackle. You'll see what its all about when you get 'em.

[ToughOldFord]

I don't know about the rears, but I've read that with the front's you leave that outer sleeve in. I'd wait until the instructions came before tearing those out.

You're one up on me, I usually do the something stupid first then ask questions.

[FORDification]

It definitely depends on the manufacturer. The PST polygraphite bushings I installed on my truck required the stock outer shells to remain in place. Therefore, I just drilled out the rubber portion until it was nearly gone, and then hammered the rest out. However, I've heard reports from others (like Nausea mentioned) that the versions they got from other manufacturers required that the entire bushing, including the outer sleeve, be removed.

In other words: get the bushings you wanna use, and then follow their installation instructions.

[72stepside]

Thanks for the reply's. I will definitely wait til I get bushings in hand before doing any more. I'll probably be going with the poly's from Energy Suspension, but am not locked into that.

[Nausea]

As mentioned, and I should clarify, Energy's *rear* poly sets don't use outer shells. For their front bushings and cab mounts, all original metal must be saved/reused.
72stepside,
Here they are installed :

[fordman]

wouldn't a poly bushing give less when hitting bump in the road? they are harder than the rubber ones. i know it might not take that much of a beating because the springs and bracket setups do most of it bouncing as well as the shocks. but wouldn't it be a little harder riding using poly?

[72stepside]

As mentioned, and I should clarify, Energy's *rear* poly sets don't use outer shells. For their front bushings and cab mounts, all original metal must be saved/reused.
72stepside,
Here they are installed :

Ok, I see now what they'll look like. How much did that set run you (just a ballpark figure)?

[Nausea]

I don't remember exactly (been months). I think it was around $40 from Autozone. (They carry the whole line, although not always are in stock).