Shackle Pin Replacement

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by VisionLogistics, Aug 14, 2012.

  1. droy

    droy Heavy Load Member

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    Jun 11, 2008
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    Local KW parts guy quoted me around $480.00 for the spring bushings on my 2007 T800; while I was telling myself that the price wasn't all that bad, he went on to say that the only way to replace them is to remove the springs, then go to a big press, yada, yada, yada, then on the reassembly, they also recommend replacing the U-bolts, more yada. Thinking out loud, I figured around $1500.00 at the "Stealer", parts guy replied that was a pretty close guess.
    Left there thinking that those bushings could :
    (1)Purchased at a parts house cheaper, although $480.00 doesn't seem that bad;
    (2) Be replaced without pulling the springs off, which should save a little more $$$.
     
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  3. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    You're probably done by now but you can go to Advance Auto Parts and use their tool loaner program. They have a special heavy duty portable bushing press that would do the job. It's a big C clamp of sorts with adapters. I used it a few months back to replace the bushings on my I-beams and rear spring bushings on my pickup. I rebuilt the whole suspension. It made the job easy. I think it would work on a big truck. It'll press out up to about 2 1/2-3" in width bushings. The C-clamp will reach around ~8".
     
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  4. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    Not sure, but after having watched Josh at fleetpride in Idaho Falls do mine, I can say that pulling the spring packs off was a good idea. He put them on a push cart and wheeled them over to a press where he R&R'd the pins in no time. While off he also inspected and tightened the center pins, as well as re-stacking (aligning) the drivers side springs which had drifted a little due to a slightly loose center pin. That was the reason I went in there in the first place: the DOT bears always stopped and looked hard when they saw the leafs uneven during their creeper roll in a level I.

    All that work and they only charged me $360. Plus afterwards Josh did a visual inspection and found a loose radiator which saved me time and money down the road. Tranes Diesel is the best franchise shop I have ever dealt with.

    @CondoCrusier: Thanks for that tip! Those tool loaner programs can REALLY be helpful sometimes!!
     
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  5. droy

    droy Heavy Load Member

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    Jun 11, 2008
    Iowa, LA
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    I doubt Advance Auto has bushings for my KW, but would sure be interested in renting that gizmo!
     
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