Perhaps "pounded" was too stern of a verb, let's say I used the hammer to tap the bushings in which pushed the old ones out really nice. The key is to use an old bolt with the ridges ground off.
Glad I brought a C-clamp with me, came in handy holding the plates together while "pounding" the old bolts out. Putting penetrating oil on the old hardware the day before I'm sure had to have helped.
This 3-in-1 ball joint press service kit from
HF was well worth the $30 I spent on it... It's pretty heavy, especially when I had to finish up the second side one-armed.
As another poster noted, the C-clamp is useful in getting the plates in position.
Had to use some help to align the outboard spring eye, just enough off I needed the assist.
Many thanks to all the previous posters in this thread whose helpful tips made the difference in a manageable install vs one plagued with problems, as I'm sure I would have had.
Now, if I hadn't fallen over backwards over the tire on the ground, I be ok, so don't forget safety.
Great thread, thanks!
