Leaf spring front eye bush removal

Hello all,

I am currently putting OME greasable shackles on my 97 Rodeo.

Although this probably relates to all Jap utes if not all leaf sprung vehicles.

I decided against a lift but while I was checking all the suspension bits and pieces discovered that the rubber bushes on the shackles were stuffed. I have replaced these once before so I thought this time I will give the greasable ones a go.

My trouble is that I can't get the bushes or the metal lining out of the front spring eye. I have tried everything short of a press of some kind (don't have one). I was thinking of drilling the rubber out to get some room in there to relieve pressures and then it should all just fall out.

The other thing is that these bushes look fine. When I replaced all the rubber shackle bushes last time I didn't replace these ones as they were fine and they still are.

Does anyone have any thoughts on how to get these bushes out or alternatively would I be better off leaving them in there? They do not appear to have any wear. I would think all the wearing would be on the bolt and the metal lining tube but they look fine too

Stumped.

Utemad