Hi gang,

For those who need to replace bushings etc., Amazon has a 6 ton stand with the hyraulics and the heavy stand for $105. That is a deal. That is less than a hand turn kit.
Check it out if interested.
Saves time and you no longer have to scream at the kits with manual thread rods that bend and knuckles that get

 

Now there is another piece of equipment that I would like but will, like most of my tools, never use!!! There are higher force models too for not much more. What is typically required for road car components. I see 6t, 12T, 30T, etc. models.

 

I have the Harbor Freight 20T version. It's went up in price a lot in the last year or so due to the massive inflation we are suffering. It's now $250 and I paid about $140 1 1/2 years ago. Several modifications were done. After the first couple of uses you will get real tired of that hand pump jack!

1. Replaced the 20T hand pump jack with an air over hydraulic version. I got lucky as my manual jack started leaking and I took it back to HF. Told the manager I would like the air powered jack and was willing to pay the additional cost. Now again inflation!! That is currently $165! I paid around $100.

This has an additional benefit as I use a foot controlled air valve. Now I have both hands free to guide the press into position and can "feather" the foot air valve for precise movements.

2. I put casters on the press. It's a bit of a beast to move otherwise. Plus it's a tool that while real handy is not used a lot so mobility is a must!

The better presses have pressure gauges and a way to crank the adjustable beam into different positions. So I may add those modifications in the future. I like the boat crank idea so the adjustable beam can't fall or get away from you.
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I also have the HF 20T version, likewise converted to air operation with a foot valve. I've modified it heavily so it can also work as a press brake. Love it!

For changing the height of the beam, I made a couple of extra support pins that go underneath the beam. There's no risk of dropping the beam to the ground because there's always a pin installed at each end. Low-tech, cheap, and effective.

 

and for those cheap skates, outside of the USA, and in all good (cheap) discounts stores. The makers name and colour changes, but in 5t/6t/10t/12ton presses.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...760000164626_1

I have similar, it works and you can beef it up with higher grade bolts, and a better base support. But cheap and ideal for changing out various suspension bushes.
Paid for its self after the first use.

 

Hey Karl I added more pins too but it's still heavy to wrestle into position.
Yes I do want to add that wonderful SWAG Off Road finger brake to the HF 20T press!
Costs more than the press but man can you fabricate stuff with that!
SWAG Finger Brake DIY Kit
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If 6 tons won't get a bushing out of a shock absorber, it must be one rusted up mess. My jag has ZERO rust or corrosion, so it should work, but I'll keep box just in case.

 

I bought a used Nugier 20 ton press for $175 many, many years ago when a local aerospace subcontractor switched from making landing gear to making composite pieces like ailerons and nose cones and were selling off machining equipment. I probably should have just bought a HF unit because it started leaking and Nugier wants over $500 for a repair kit with $15 worth of o-rings. It still works, I just have to keep a pan under it.

But buying a shop press is only the start of anything useful. You also must have the appropriate plates and dies for whatever you plan to press. Yes, most shade-tree mechanics at home just cobble together bits and pieces of scrap metal or use a socket from their toolbox, but that can be dangerous because they're not designed to hold up to that kind of stress and pieces of broken socket can become projectiles and maybe injure you I don't know, but for sure can scare the living daylights out of you and ding the paint on your nearby Jaguar. You can buy on Amazon all sorts of pins, dies, sleeves, etc.for use with a hydraulic press but I've never seen any in the HF stores. I also bought used a small lathe and mill so I will sometimes just shape a tool from mild steel for whatever I'm doing. Its amazing how much easier it is when you have just the right size and shape of tool.