Leaf Spring bushings

[usraptr]

Okay, so today I got around to replacing the original leaf spring bushings with poly bushings from Year One.  Replaced the rear bushings with minimal problems but I have a question regarding the large front bushings where the leaf spring attaches to the torque box.  After a lot of work I finally got the old bushing out but a steel collar remains along the inside edge of the hole in the leaf spring where the bushing goes.  It does not appear that I will be able to get the new bushing from Year One into the hole with the steel collar there.  However, the new bushing does not have a steel collar so if I take out the one left in the leaf spring there won't be any steel collar around the outside of the bushing where it contacts the leaf spring.  Since the rears don't have this I don't see it as a big problem, but before I get my air chisel out to remove the steel collar, I just wanted to make sure I'm headed in the right direction. 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

First off, there is a alot more pressure on the front of the spring than the rear shackles. I normally would say not to go without that sleeve being in place, but since we are talking poly bushings here...   

[Bullitt-]

I had the same issue with Energy Suspension poly bushings supplied in their kit, my solution was to put them in a lathe and cut them to fit into the sleeve. There was another post recently on the same subject & others suggested the same solution.