Energy suspension bushings 1st gen

Hi all,
I've been a member for a while and I can usually find any info I need by searching, and for that, I must Thank all of you.

Now, my latest upgrade left me dumbfounded. I tried to install some energy suspension bushings and Toytec Lift shackles on my stock rear leaf springs, and thee bushings just keep popping out on one side. I had to chamfer the inside of the bushings because they were a whole 0.125" larger than my stock leaf spring eyes. The top frame bushings went in just fine, but the leaf bushings were a PITA. I had to use my c-clamp to press the leaf bushings in. That wasn't too bad, but when I tried to install the inner sleeve, the damn thing needed a chamfer also. no biggy. after another roundabout with the grinder, I had to pressed them in with the vice balanced on blocks because it was such a tight fit. They pushed out the new bushing by about a quarter inch. I tried to compress them into their happy spot with the stock leaf spring shackle, but they just pop out as soon as I loosen the nut.

I ended up having to use my stock leaf spring shackles and now am sitting on a brand new set of $100 Toytec adjustable lift shackles, unable to install them. My next option is to try to remove the sleeves and chop them in half and reinstall from each side to see if that helps.

Anyone else have this problem? any suggestions? the last pic is with stock shackles torqued to spec, and my new Toytec shackle held next to it.

 

Did you remove the outer steel sleeve from the stock bushings that are in the springs eyes? Those need to be pressed or cut out usually.

 

No. I didn't know there was an outer sleeve over the stock bushings. That is unfortunate for me, looks like I got some work to do!

 

All fixed now! them outer sleeves are a real pain to get out. No to mention I had to destructively remove my brand new bushings.

 

Glad to hear you were able to get it fixed and worked out.

 

Yeah! Thanks a lot! I wouldn't have figured it out. Now Im just out front bushings. But I can live with that until next year when I get new leafs!