Need Advice on Installing Cab Mount Bushings

[83CHEVY]

I have new Energy Suspension bushings and all new hardware.  I want to know if I can replace the (4) cab bushings without loosening the two up by the front bumper.  The cab needs to be jacked up about an inch.  I am hoping someone has done this and can offer some advice on this.  I am afraid to jack it, cause I don't want to bend anything.  Please help.

Mike

[84 silverado]

Use a good floor jack and a nice 4x4 piece of wood. Loosen up all the bolts so none of the mounts gets bent and replace them one at a time. The core support is no problem either as long as the fenders are all bolted up to it too. Everything should stay in place. Also, do it one side at a time too. Seems easier to me.

[83CHEVY]

Thanks "84".  I am still not clear if I can attempt to jack up the cab without loosening the two mounts at the radiator support.

I will loosen all 4 cab mounts before jacking, but I don't want to mess with the two radiator support mounts if I don't need to.  Can I jack up one side of the cab at a time without loosening the two radiator support mounts???

Mike

[84 silverado]

Don't jack the cab without loosening the core support bolts too. With the fenders all bolted up you tun the risk of bending something and then you start from scratch again.... not good.  

[83CHEVY]

I just took a close look at the radiator support mounts.  How the heck do you get 'em loose?  Looks like I got to take off the grille and maybe the front bumper too so I can get a ratchet down that little hole in the front.  And even then I am not sure I can get an impact wrench on the lower nuts.  Do you know of any tricks to make this easy???  Please???

Mike

[Blazin]

All you need to do is pop the grill out and you should be able to get a 1/2 drive rachet with a long extension down through the top. From the bottom an impact you might need an impact swivel and they should come lose. If you have a bushing kit dosn't it have core suport bushings?  

[83CHEVY]

Started the project last night.  Got the cab jacked up and the two driver's side mounts out.  Cleaned and painted the cab and frame with POR15 in those spots.  I bought everything new that I could, but the top sleeves need to be re-used, so I will have them sandblasted today and paint 'em.  I took a whole bunch of pictures.  I think I will make a "how to" web page for all you guys when I am done.

I found what was "creaking" when I came down off a curb one wheel at a time.  There is a bolt that goes down through the top of the frame rail that holds a clip for the wiring.  The old mount(s) had collapsed and the cab was rubbing on the head of this bolt.  Luckily it did not wear through the cab floor.  I painted the worn spot with POR15 (cool stuff) so it won't rust.

By the way, I did not loosen the front supports (under the radiator support) and nothing bad happened.  Not a creak or a pop or even a moan.  Was very easy.  I will show you all how  

Mike

Edited by: 83CHEVY  at: 1/15/03 3:33:09 pm

[alanpaul93309]

I recently did this on my Chevy and used the Energy Suspension products as well.  I did, however, change all of the bushings including the ones up front.

If you don't want to replace the ones up front, you should probably loosen ALL of the (6) bushing the nuts as far as possible without completely removing them.  I used a floor jack with 4x4 wood beams up under the cab.  Do one complete side before you do the other.  It was really easy!

 

[sc87]

Did your kit come with the hardware and the bushings or did you have to buy the hardware seperate. Also, how do you like the way it rides with the new kit? Have seen some threads that didn't like the poly bushings as compared to the oem rubber. I'm a definite newbie and need all the insight I can get. Thanks !!

[Sierra4x4]

Im very interested in this, let us know when the 'how to site' is up.

[83CHEVY]

The kit only came with the polyurethane bushings.  I had to buy new bottom washers from GM and new shims and bolts from   Truck.  I had to sandblast and paint the original upper "cups."

The ride is of course better than it was, but since I did not have the truck when it was new I don't have much of a reference.  It was "metal on metal" before I repaired it, so it quieted and smoothed the ride from that condition.  All the creaks and pops when I came off a curb one wheel at a time disappeared also.

I will have to work on the page.  I have not yet because it did not seem to generate much interest.  But now that I see interest I will be motivated.

Mike

[sc87]

Hey 83!! Got my bushing kit on the mail today! Will be getting my hardware next week or two. How's the 'how to' site coming? I may just holler for help when I need it. Help a newbie out- what is that por stuff you talked about??

[83CHEVY]

Sorry sc87, I will try and get it done.  POR15 is a type of paint/rust inhibitor that dries rock hard.  It is neat stuff.  Check out their website.

Mike

[sc87]

Thanks for the info, Mike. I think I can do the mount switch with the info that you have out there. If I run into a problem, I'll send out an SOS.
Steve

[RSBAD454]

i installed all cab mounts and suspension bushing on mine as well.........any probs let me know.

Toys are my game