Dan Long
Well-Known Member
I was really dreading this job, but I managed to knock it out in less than 5 hours today! I replaced all 8 of the bushing sets with the Prothane kit, as well as cleaned up all the associated hardware on the wire wheel before re-installing it. If I had to do another one, I'm fairly certain I could do it in about 3 hours.
My B and C bushings were virtually non-existent, the A and D bushings were in perfect shape (they're rubber rather than MCF). I decided that since I was doing the job though that I was going to do it right and replace them all. I also feel like all the mounts should be made of the same material to limit flexing and compression differences. Probably not that big of a deal, but I had paid for a complete set, and Prothane spent the time to design all the bushings, so it seemed counter-intuitive to not use them.
The ride is greatly improved, to say the least. The truck is far more stable and solid, and while the shocks are due for replacement, they don't feel nearly as bad now. The wife and I went to finish up our Christmas shopping tonight and she even noticed that it felt better, and she's only ridden in the truck a few times since I got the motor swap done and started driving it. I haven't heard any squeaking from the mounts, and I hope it stays that way. I can't say that I expect them to squeak, as the way that they're designed and the very little movement that is possible should prevent it.
As for the installation, I sort of said "screw the instructions"... I started on the driver's side, removed all 4 bolts, then used my floor jack and an 18" piece of 2x4 on the floor pan between the B and C mounts to jack up the body a few inches until I could remove all the mount hardware. Once the new mounts were in place, I set the body back down and got all the bolts started but left them about 1/2" out. I then removed all 4 passenger side bolts, jacked up that side the same way, replaced the mounts, then set it back down and installed the bolts. I tightened everything up with my impact wrench, basically just snugged them then gave them a little more. As others have mentioned, a good 1/2" impact wrench and propane torch are DEFINITELY recommended for this job!!
In a few weeks I'll be tearing the entire interior out of the truck for a deep cleaning and to install some of my electronic goodies, and at that point I'll pull all the bolts again, add some Loctite and re-install them with a torque wrench to at least Ford specs, if not 10-15 ft/lbs more. For anyone with deteriorating bushings, I highly recommend the Prothane kit! Everything fit perfectly, and nothing else was needed.
My B and C bushings were virtually non-existent, the A and D bushings were in perfect shape (they're rubber rather than MCF). I decided that since I was doing the job though that I was going to do it right and replace them all. I also feel like all the mounts should be made of the same material to limit flexing and compression differences. Probably not that big of a deal, but I had paid for a complete set, and Prothane spent the time to design all the bushings, so it seemed counter-intuitive to not use them.
The ride is greatly improved, to say the least. The truck is far more stable and solid, and while the shocks are due for replacement, they don't feel nearly as bad now. The wife and I went to finish up our Christmas shopping tonight and she even noticed that it felt better, and she's only ridden in the truck a few times since I got the motor swap done and started driving it. I haven't heard any squeaking from the mounts, and I hope it stays that way. I can't say that I expect them to squeak, as the way that they're designed and the very little movement that is possible should prevent it.
As for the installation, I sort of said "screw the instructions"... I started on the driver's side, removed all 4 bolts, then used my floor jack and an 18" piece of 2x4 on the floor pan between the B and C mounts to jack up the body a few inches until I could remove all the mount hardware. Once the new mounts were in place, I set the body back down and got all the bolts started but left them about 1/2" out. I then removed all 4 passenger side bolts, jacked up that side the same way, replaced the mounts, then set it back down and installed the bolts. I tightened everything up with my impact wrench, basically just snugged them then gave them a little more. As others have mentioned, a good 1/2" impact wrench and propane torch are DEFINITELY recommended for this job!!
In a few weeks I'll be tearing the entire interior out of the truck for a deep cleaning and to install some of my electronic goodies, and at that point I'll pull all the bolts again, add some Loctite and re-install them with a torque wrench to at least Ford specs, if not 10-15 ft/lbs more. For anyone with deteriorating bushings, I highly recommend the Prothane kit! Everything fit perfectly, and nothing else was needed.
