Replacing Rear Bushings

[sonicj]

im having a difficult time trying to replace the rear leaf spring bushings on my 97 ds. i got the rear most done ok, the upper shackle bushings were a major pain and now the front bushing is being difficult due to the brackets being in the way. right now i have the one side im working on up on jacks. would it be easier if i put both sides of the cart on jacks? is this process any easier with the plastic removed?

any tips on expediting this process would be of much help! cheers!
-sj

[OLD MEC]

I ALWAYS jack up and support cart by frame with auto type stands, place front wheels in straight forward position and block solid in both direction before trying to change springs or bushings, etc then a floor jack is very helpful to manuver axle around, and I have found that if you have a stuck bolt use a recipricating saw and cut bolts on each side of spring its much easier to repair bushings. Then install bolts from other direction for ease of repairs from then on.

[scottyb]

Buy new bolts, bushings, & rubbers. Then cut the bolts out between the brackets and the shackles. The problem you are having is the bolt is rusted to the sleeve.
I hope this helps.

[rabbitreborn]

too bad Club Car didn't follow E-Z-GO in leaving the rear upper shackle accessible...... Do as Scotty says though and you should be ok. I've also found it is far easier for me if I go ahead and loosen the U-Bolts on the axle (on the side you are working on only) and I always set the fron bushing before setting the rear so that the spring is easier to manage.

[sonicj]

yea, its mostly the spring thats making it difficult. the upper rear shackle was easy compared to the front half of this leaf! i'll try loosing the U bolt first, and if that doesn't work i'll lift the other side.

the front bolt was stuck pretty bad. i lined up a long piece of steel rod up with the bolt and had my dad hit with a hammer from the other side of the cart. came right out! bolts are in surprisingly good shape aside from a little rust.
-sj