Replacing axle pivot bushings--tips appreciated!

Maintenance/Repairs
1

1994 F150, 2WD, 188K mi. Truck failed inspection due to play in the axle pivot bushing, and I’m in the process of replacing 'em. Doing the job on the truck with a rented ball joint tool. So far, I got the rubber “guts” out of the first one, entirely–but in so doing, bent the metal OVER the I-beam half-axle (basically I created a rivet.) My current inclination is to use a sawzall to cut through the metal, then “peel” it out with a pair of vise-grips. Seems smarter than heating the axles, and a “nick” in the housing shouldn’t compromise integrity.

Can I get feedback on this? Any tips on getting the new one in?

2

Are you able to post a photo MJ75F?

Edit: Is there any way you can push the metal out in the other direction? You might need to make up some special adapters for the job by cutting some pipe sections, etc.

3

Tester

4

The sawzall method works if you make cuts opposite each other in the bushing shell not completely through and then drive the shell out with a chisel. When you install the new bushings make sure you are using the right driver.