Need Help Identifying a part...

So my truck started making this banging metal noise in the front. I looked at it and noticed bushings that arent even there and others that need to be replaced. But i don't know what the part is to order it =/. I'm guessing the I-beam bushing? Its directly behind the front tire and is riveted to the frame. I'm sure ill figure it out, but any ideas?

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...psf5399e83.jpg

 

Welcome to the site..

They are called radius arm bushings.

 

Thankyou sir.

 

You bet..

Common failure..

Probably the most practiced way to change them in a home shop is to torch/grind the radius bracket rivets, drive them out, then install grade 8 bolts for the re attachment.

Or, if you have a couple 'come alongs' you can unbolt the large retaining nut, take the shock loose, and use the come along to pull the radius arm forward (one arm at a time) out of the bracket 'eye'. You'd need an anchor point forward of the truck. It usually requires a second come along and/or friction jack etc. to be able to re align the arm back into the brackets eye. They tend to spread out pulling out/pulling forward, and sometimes require a wide jack if the alignment angle narrows or doesn't line up with the eye.

 

I wonder which one is easier or quicker... I was about to torch/grind them out originally, then my buddy said to use a come along. I kinda think the grinder would be easiest... but im all for not messing with stuff. Seems like they would even out on time/effort. Just depends on which way you wanna go huh?

 

now im hearing alot about changing the axle pivot bushing too while im down there. Some say not to get a comealong at all and just dismantle it. that sounds like hell to me... I'm sure none of those bolts are ready to come off my 28 yr old truck. One guy said 8 hours for the whole job, and i just dont plan on spending 8 hours on this.

 

Judgment call,, might look the pivot bushings over the best you can, if they don't appear to be dried out, splitting, rotted, or coming apart/out leave them for the next time.

Using the come along/portapower/friction technique is faster IMO if you've done it before, but cutting the rivets may be easier if you don't have the pulling power. Just make sure it goes back with grade 8 bolts if a cut out...