1. Set Aside Bushing Replacement Tools

In order to complete a bushing replacement, you will need to have the following tools on hand:

An open-end wrench
A flat head screwdriver
A torque wrench
A floor jack
Two jack stands
Clamps
To protect against the possibility of fluid loss from the truck when you have the vehicle suspended, it might be necessary to have a receptacle on hand.

2. Lower the Suspension

In order to access the suspension bushings, you will have to remove the rear suspension assembly. If the rear suspension on your truck is independent, the two sides can each be taken off separately. To elevate the truck, raise the rear with a jack and secure the vehicle in suspension with jack stands.

Along the rear suspension, take off the shock absorbers and bolts. This will allow you to lower the rear suspension. Disconnect the rear brake lines if necessary.

3. Disengage the Rear Bushing Assembly

With the suspension out of the way, take off the part of the assembly that contains the suspension bushing. Each side will have one or more of these components. Loosen and remove the center bolt to remove the assembly.

4. Clamp the Bushing Assembly

With the suspension bushing assembly removed from the truck, bring it into your garage and set it on a table. In order to keep the assembly held in place as you remove the bushings, use either a vice or two clamps.

5. Remove the Old Suspension Bushing

With the bushing assembly firmly secured to the table or workbench, use a screwdriver to force out the old bushing from the assembly.

6. Lubricate the Suspension Parts

Before you apply a new bushing, lubricate the suspension parts. Coat all the parts that will be touching one another in the assembly. The lubrication is necessary to ensure the frictionless movement of the parts in contact with each other. Only with lubrication will the rubber remain in ample condition and the metal parts be spared the corrosive effects of movement and contact.

Lubrication must be amply applied, as this will keep the parts moving smoothly and free of noise. Without lubrication, all of these steps would likely be for naught.

7. Reassemble the Suspension Bushing Assembly

With lubrication liberally applied to all the touching parts, put the pieces of the bushing assembly back together. Put the new bushings in place and reapply the nuts and washers.

8. Re-attach the Bushing Assembly to the Vehicle's Rear Suspension

Reattach the bushing assembly to the rear suspension of the truck. This involves reversing the steps that disengaged the assembly from the vehicle. As you fit the washers, make sure that everything is reassembled in the proper order.

With all the parts secure and fastened, torque the bolt according to the specs of your truck. Repeat these steps along the other side if necessary.

Remove the jack stands and lower the truck to the ground. Take the truck for a test drive and enjoy the newly enhanced performance. If the prior performance issues — noises, tremors, etc. — are now gone, congratulations! You have successfully completed your first change of truck bushings.