Help me figure out how to install pivot arm bushings.

[Fuzzyhead]

Problems. Problems. Problems.

I thought I'd replace the pivot arm bushings while I was replacing my radius arm bushings.
I drilled out the old pivot arm bushings, but now I can't get the middle piece (of my 3-piece Energy Suspension set) in place.
I can push in the center bushing without the metal piece, but then I can't get the metal piece in.
I tried putting the metal piece inside the bushing (while not installed on the truck) then I tried pushing the metal piece with the bushing in and no luck.

I tried c clamps, I trine hitting it with a hammer, I tried some stupid home-made puller to pull it in. No luck.

Any ideas? I read that a ball joint puller would work, but I don't know.

The I beams are still on the truck. I haven't removed them otherwise I'm sure a press would work.
It's a 2wd 71 F100.

Thanks.

[tqwrench]

Haven't done that job yet, but it's on the list...

That being said, I've done similar work in the past, a job comes to mind where I put control arm bushings in all 4 arms on a 70 Caddy. What a nightmare. Without the special tools I was in the same trick bag you are in now. I wound up heating the arms and freezing the bushings, adding some grease and driving them home. I vaguely remember cutting a piece of galvanized pipe as a support while I drove them in too...Necessity is the mother of invention.

A freezer and an oven can be your best friends...or a torch. I'm sure others will chime in with their experiences. I've got my ears on for this one.

[flyboy2610]

The inner metal bushing must go in before the bushings are installed in the I-beams. You'll never get it in afterwards. This is what I did to get my I-beam bushings installed:
http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 50#p624634

[Bill Ramsey]

i did mine easy peasy. i used some 1/2" fine allthread and an assortment of washers and large sockets.pushed them right in.