Job is done!
- cut the new bushings to size based on measurements from the old bushings
- cleaned up the cut sides and beveled the edges
- did a test fit on the drive axle with each new bushing
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put the new bushings in a plastic bag in the freezer for about 2 hours
- cleaned the drive's openings and touched up the edges with fine grit sandpaper
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made a simple tool for pressing the new bushings into the drive (see image below)
- brought the drive over to my work table and laid it on top of some ceramic tile (I was preparing to apply heat if needed)
- pulled the bushings out of the freezer into another bag with ice packs and brought them out to the garage
Took about 10-15 seconds to get each bushing into place. Real easy, no heat needed. The only minor hiccup was when I received a call the on cordless phone intercom. I only had one bushing left but decided to answer the phone because I thought it might be important. Nope. Just my wife calling to ask "how's it going?"
A 1/2" to 3/4" zinc coated steel fitting (Princess Auto $7.00) was used to press the bushings into place as seen in the image to the right on the threaded rod. The 1/2" threaded end fit inside the bushing and the flat machined shoulder squared the bushing up to the drive opening. Once again, I used JB Weld to attach a couple washers on the 3/4" side for the single nut to turn against. As well, the two nuts at the other end of the 1/2" threaded rod are frozen in place with blue thread lock. As you can see I used the cast fitting in the same manner as before - to brace against the opposite side. A 3/4" wrench at either end to make it all work with one of them being a ratchet wrench (or a socket) to really speed things up.
Bushings are replaced and I can begin to reassemble.