Suggestions on removing old rubber bushings? Help!

[Welshboy]

Hi , I've just removed my sway bar and need to replace the bushings.  Trouble is, they probably have not been removed for years and I can't push them or the metal sleeve out.

Anybody have any hints?  

Thanks, Gawain

'78 Chevy K10, 6" lift

[lowc10]

an air chisel will be your best bet

[lotopp79]

getthem pressed out at a machince shop costs a little but is the safeest way to go  

[Pushrod]

Cut'em up, The replacements should include hardware.

[beastie_3]

I know this is old, but I have the same question. Does anyone have other ideas besides taking them to get pressed out? I was thinking of borrowing a vice or renting a ball joint press and trying to get that to work because both of those ideas are free. Ive been soaking them too.

[Irish_Alley]

burn them out with a torch

[Grim 82]

burn them out with a torch

+1 for the gas wrench, even if it's just a little MAPP gas torch if you don't have access to oxy-acetylene. Second choice would be to mangle them with a sawzall and air hammer until they see things your way.

[bake74]

I know this is old, but I have the same question. Does anyone have other ideas besides taking them to get pressed out? I was thinking of borrowing a vice or renting a ball joint press and trying to get that to work because both of those ideas are free. Ive been soaking them too.

     With a big enough C clamp, you can cut one side of the rubber off, and using a round piece of pipe that is the same size of the sway bar, you can make a home made press very easy.  I did it with mine and worked very easy and did not take any time at all.