2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 2001 Rear Leaf Spring Bushings

[BarryG]

Has anybody ever changed them out. Dealer shows it as can only get with the entire spring, napa doesn't show them and can find no other options. However Energy Suspension does but there seems to be conflicting notes on which one is the right one. Reason I ask is. I had put some different springs on the rear of the truck a couple years ago. (Carli) and while I like them a lot I definitely lost some payload capacity and they definitely also sag a lot more with weight. Which for most part I don't care however I just bought a new fiver and based on what I have towed in the past with them the much higher pin weight(1500lbs) they are going to sag quite a bit and am not sure I am comfortable with that much sag. I also have a B&W gooseneck hitch so I cant use airbags as they mount in the same place. Nor can I use Timbrens as the Carli springs don't use the bottom spring block with jounce bumper contact area on it. So thinking of putting my stock springs with the Kore spring pack back on. When I used those I kept my overload spring on and never had any issues towing or excessive sag. While I don't look forward to putting the spring block back on as I have liked losing that lever arm as it has certainly reduced my axle wrap. If I felt I needed air bags I still couldn't use them due to the hitch but I could use the timbrens if I felt I needed them. In any case long story to find out if anyone knows if the energy suspension leaf springs bushings are worth the trouble. My stock springs and bushings have 300k on them, they don't look trashed but..... I was just thinking if I am going to put them back on I might as well put some new bushings in them.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I have the Energy Suspension bushings on my '98 and for the most part I like them. It was a little tricky getting the right ones, in 2009 when I ordered a set for the rear of my '98 2wd 12-valve none of them fit the shackles. Someone at Energy name Kevin Lake got it straightened out after I took some careful measurements (I think he's still there).

In 2012 I bought a '98 24-valve and ordered an Energy Suspension bushing set for it from Ultrarev.com and everything fit right. I think I ordered part number 5.2119G http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=5.2119

After popping the bushings into the springs (that's not easy, tight fit) and putting them into the truck (once again very tight fit) I started having squeaking issues. I since pulled the springs back out and carefully ground down the bushings to make them a bit narrower so the springs would slide right into the truck without being loose, and I relubed them. That helped a lot, eliminated the squeak and allowed the springs to move freely.

It seems the bushings made the rear feel a little tighter, less rubbery jounce going over railroad tracks and potholes, I liked the result. Did not increase road noise or vibration.

By the way, ripping the rubber bushings out was a pain! I tried a number of methods but in the end taking a drill and drilling a lot of holes in the rubber then using a bottle jack to press it out worked the best.

 

[BarryG]

Thanks Vaughn. When I looked on Energy's website and put in my info it would bring up a set then it would say it wouldn't fit my truck and bring up a few others that definitely would not fit as they were narrower. I know how to use a tape measure and the springs are 3' wide but the site kept telling me they wouldn't fit and showed me the 2.5" ones. The part number you mentioned are the ones I thought would be correct. I called Genos (they also sell them) and talked with Andy he also felt that was the correct part number and said while they havent sold a lot of them he has not had any returns on them. Also thanks for the insight as to how they worked was hoping for some real life experience.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

You're welcome Barry, good luck with it.

 

[Ozymandias]

Have you inspected your current bushing in detail - my 04.5 has the part number already imprinted on the rubber, just 2-3mm in height. Not visibly under the road dirt if not looking close.

Check out this site > http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/bushings/rubber-leaf-spring-bushings

 

[JMcCoy]

If the bushings are good, I wouldn't change them. if you do decide to change them, I have used A ball joint press and a torch with success. I'm going to try shackle flip and remove the block. Hopefully this will eliminate any axle wrap.

 

[Bob4x4]

Simple solutiom,go to any decent spring shop they can add 1or 2 more leaves to deal with the additional weight and you will still hav e a progressive spring

 

[KrisKringle]

Hi all. looking to do the bushings on the rear springs on my 2001...check out the picture, is this normal? I spoke to the fine folks at Geno's, as I am putting a rather large order together for PM items for my truck, (200K already!), such as a Borgenson Pump, and new lines etc. Time to rebuild the vacuum pump, so figured I would do the PS pump as well. The person I spoke with told me that they do not carry the 5.2119G, but could order them...just need to know if these are the right ones. It would be a BIG problem to have them shipped to Germany and get started on replacement to find out that they are the wrong ones...thanks

here is the picture:

 

[JMcCoy]

Looks normal to me. Why are you changing your bushings? Is there something wrong with them? Urethane bushings will give you a more positive feel, but a rougher ride that transmits more vibration.

 

[GrantP]

Looks normal to me. Why are you changing your bushings? Is there something wrong with them? Urethane bushings will give you a more positive feel, but a rougher ride that transmits more vibration.

And squeaks, not a fan of urethane.

 

[KrisKringle]

Looks normal to me. Why are you changing your bushings? Is there something wrong with them? Urethane bushings will give you a more positive feel, but a rougher ride that transmits more vibration.

Perhaps I need to post a better picture; AFAIK, the original rubber bushings are not available. (Have not looked at Rock Auto yet) In the past, I have not had a problem with squeaks and Urethane bushings...

here are a few pictures, the Spring is no longer centred in the bracket, and appears to be rubbing against the frame...

 

[GrantP]

Yes you definitely need new bushings, urethane or rubber is up to you. Prost!

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Urethane bushings will give you a more positive feel, but a rougher ride that transmits more vibration.

I was concerned about this when I put polyurethane bushings on my '98.5, but after installing them it didn't turn out to be true. It actually improved the ride, and did not increase vibration or road noise at all.