Well, I got mine 1/2 installed the other day. Took my son and I about 1.5 hours to block up the trailer and do just the first bushing. We found that it was much easier to use a hacksaw blade and cut a slit in the bushing and then twist it out with needle nose pliers than to drive it out. After we learned on that first one, it only took about another hour to finish the job on one side of the trailer.
Blocking and setting up trailer for work.
I know what Les is talking about when speaking about old bones as I was so tired from crawling around under the trailer and bending over that we decided to wait for a few weeks to do the other side when my son is home again. I also decided to put the grease zerks on the inside because it looked like it would be hard to get to them when the wheels and tires were on.
The other side should be a piece of cake since we now know what we are doing. It is sure easier with two persons though. I would not have wanted to tackle it by myself. The springs have a tendency to twist a bit after removal of the old pieces and it does take a bit of "persuasion" to get things lined up perfectly again. A crow bar and careful use of the bottle jack took care of that though.
All in all, not a bad job and I am certain the results are going to be well worth the effort. Much thanks to LAdams for the pictures, tutorial, and other invaluable help. I cannot believe the difference in the quality and stoutness of the old and new components! Don't know why manufacturers don't just add a few bucks to the price of the rigs and put the good stuff on right away!
Yep, I know, I need to wire brush and paint the frame in this area!:o The rest of the frame looks good but this area is hidden behind the wheels and I didn't realize it was this rusted.
Barney
Cutting bushing with hacksaw blade
Removing old bushing with needle nose pliers
Finished job
