Need help on removing orig frt shackles on 40 cpe

[Hamtown Al]

I'm trying to remove the original front shackles on my 40 cpe so I can install a CE shock kit. Trouble is I can's get the bolt that seems to be mounted in rubber and enclosed with a bushing out of the axle. I've tried several tricks with no success. I can rotate the shaft but it won't budge in either direction. It looks like I'll have to drill it out but I'm hoping somebody has a trick I haven't tried. Thanks, in advance, for any help. Frustrated Al

[Karl Wolf]

I get the bolt out, hard to do, make a puller (don't remember exactly how)... Remove rubber... Cut two slots in the outside bushing, careful not to go through and cut into the part I want to keep... Use variety of chisels to remove remnants... I measure the new parts to go in, use emery cloth and a drill press or lathe to size the new parts for a .001-2 interference fit... All the ones that I have ever put in were WAY to BIG to put in... I put a washer or several over the new stud, put a nut to hold them in place and use a scrap 9/16" impact socket to drive it in... Contact me if you wish... Karl

[benji]

Had same problem with 36. I found after alot of trials, if you heat up with torch enough to melt packing fiber, the bolt can be hammered out. You will know when to hammer when you see smoke and dripping coming out. The sleeve was cut with hacksaw and chiseled out using a air hammer.

[JWL]

Remove the stud which has the square shoulders. This will require much determination. Clean the rubber out of the hole. Make a steel bushing 2 inches long(from memory) about .730 diameter OD with 1/2" bore. Put a long bolt or threaded rod through the above mentioned bushing and through the spring with about 3" extending for a piece of tubing or pipe which has about 7/8" inside diameter. Theory is the bushing is used to pull/push the old shackle housing out of the spring and into the piece of pipe or tubing at the other side as you tighten the bolt/nuts. Of course the appropriate hard washers and lube are to be used.

[Planojc]

I used an air hammer. Worked great.

[Clem Clement]

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We drilled in to the rubber with a fine drill bit. The rubber has canvas in it. I think we had to cut the pin end off as well. Then pound with a BFH. Then cut the casing with a hack saw. Then a chiesal to peel the tude sides back. not a fun job.

[georgewarren]

Or, Al, see if any of the other axles you have lying around can have the bushings removed easily, then just switch axles. I think I have one already out. You would have to talk to my agent on price; oh, wait a minute, you ARE my agent!!

[Dave/Green Bay]

I removed the rubber took the wirefeed welder ran several beads inside the metal. It shrunk enough that they came out easily. Dave/Green Bay

[Hamtown Al]

Thanks, fellas, for the tips. I managed to get the sleeve out of the one that I already had removed the bolt. I also managed to get the bolt and rubber out of the one on the axle. Need to finish the job by removing the remaining sleeve. I'll carefully hacksaw a cut then use a combination of many chiesels, etc to eventually drive it out. Ironically, the first sleeve resisted and resisted and resisted and then, in the end, it came out almost whole with nothing left in the spring.
George's agent wanted too much money for another axle w/wishbone for a 40!!
I think I'm going to get it finished before too long but need to rest my neck muscles and bruised hands! The good news is that the CE bushings fit the spring perfectly.
Thanks again for the tips and encouragement. Tired Al

[HOTROD_WILLIE]

fordbarn is great