Pivot Bushing

[adamsanders]

I'm getting ready to tear into my d50 front axle to replace my ball joints, axle u-joints, and shocks. I really do not have any interest in doing a "full rebuild" as this truck doesn't see much if any heavy work. However, in just looking at the axle, the only thing I see to really do other than the axle u-joints and ball joints is the pivot bushings for both beams. Should I look at replacing these bushings while I've got the axle shafts out? How would I know if they were bad? I'll probably get an alignment after this work is done so I don't to align a bad bushing but I also don't want to a bunch of extra work for something that may not be bad or make that much of a difference. Thanks in advance.

 

[chillman88]

Personally if you have never changed then "I" would change them. You're going to be right there anyway and now is the best time to do it.

 

[adamsanders]

Is that the only thing left to change? Other than leaf spring bushings but I’m not touching those right now

 

[chillman88]

Well if you aren't redoing the carrier bearings and stuff then that's almost all. I would at least inspect the wheel bearings and replace them if needed. Don't forget the wheel seals. If there's anything else I'm sure someone else will chime in.

 

[adamsanders]

Yes I'm hoping to not tear into the front differential. I know the stub shaft is internally retained but I believe I can change that u joint out with the stub shaft in place.

 

[Clb]

I would as a matter of p.m.