Radius rod bushing replacement mci 7 1972

[mikelutestanski]

Hello have not posted much .  This year was a medical doctor year....trying to get the bus ready...for a trip..
     Changed the radius rod bushings in the front. No problems.  Last one was hard because it needed to be twisted.  Driver inner upper..
    Now pass side lower is the problem. .  Lined up and located height to right measurements.  5 9/16 ". Had to remove rear brake drum to facilitate removal of lower rod. The front is right under the brake drum.  The rod came off ok .changed bushings went to replace and axle had moved forward and could not get it to move back..  tried many things. Even used a porta power and chain to drag it back.  No luck.  Today I installed a hook at the rear post by drilling and bolting through the post.  5/8 grade 5 bolt with a plate and hook assy.   Still no joy.  I think the next step will be be to take the upper rod off to try to get the axle to move.    Any suggestions or experiences by others will be appreciated...i changed these 10 years ago and dont recall any problems!!!   Oh well age is catching up.  Any way once this is done i need to get the cummins going and make tracks...although we are supposed to go to brownsville texas next week ..  willl have to avoid houston.  Thanks mike

[chessie4905]

Manipulating air bag pressure may help. You have the body blocked up with weight off the suspension?

[mikelutestanski]

Yes to body blocked and height adjusted properly and pressure checked at air bags . Set at various pressures. Today i will loosen the bolts at the top pin for the upper rods to allow the axle to pivot and hopefully slide back enough to reconnect the lower rod.  I think you / I should monitor  both sides to make sure each side is correctly aligned...I was told to do one rod at a time.. worked in the front but not the back....new day new ideas.     Last doctor test completed this AM.  Now back to work.....thanks for the input.

    I generally block the bus up at 16 inches to the skirt rail. Front and back.  Then set the axle height with a gage to the listed height in the manual.  51/8 front. 5 9/16 rear.. i made up a piece of steel stock labelled for the gages.  Then removing wheels will allow undercarriage checks , greasing , and brake adjustments. I had a brake pin lock bolt loosen and the pin was almost out.  Heard the noise when applying brakes . Now I inspect yearly.sometimes dont need to remove tires but at least every 2 years they come off. Pain to tighten lugs but the 4 foot torque wrench still works.  I use the rattle gun to get them close.     Thanks for the info
           
     Regards
      Mike

[chessie4905]

I wouldnt worry about correct height settings till after all rods are in place. Leave all bolts loose enough to allow shifting the one you are doing, then after in place, set height and tighten all bolts to specs. Although some rods aren't effected when others are tight, others can be. Jmo. You may already be doig that.

[mikelutestanski]

So the job is to replace the radius rod bushings;   the rear presents a challenge because the upper rods are joined by a pin.  Two interesting items need to be remembered and examined in detail. 
    1:   The pin is in a cradle secured by 2 bolts.   You must remove the bolts before trying to move the pin...why would that be?
    2:  the axle is a complex piece of equipment.  You. Must consider how to support it during repair/ replacement operations.
     Neither is mentioned in the manual .  So think about it if you plan on doing this job..
    Regards and happy bussin
       Mike