LCA Whiteline Tightness

[Fiffa]

Everything was going great with the new Whiteline LCA bushing install until I tried to put the passenger side back onto the vehicle. One side goes in just fine, but the other is really tight on the opposite end when trying to install the washer. At first I thought I may have bent the LCA a little when doing the torch/bottle jack method, but I think it has more to do with the fact that the bushings didn't go 100% flush onto the housing (no matter how much I tried), which is causing a slightly wider setup than OEM. I can almost get the washer in there, but it won't budge with a screwdriver and mallet (not trying to destroy the washer, so I don't wail on it).

I plan on using a pry bar (the only one I had yesterday was too thick to get in between the bushing and mount) today and maybe a ratchet strap on the other side to compress the bushing to get this one washer in, but any other insight would be appreciated! I've already searched extensively on here and didn't see much outside of Timmy's video showing him using the proper pry bar.

... hoping I don't have to buy new LCA's considering the truck is sitting in my works shop in the way of everything! lol

Thanks!

 

[rdruss]

Sounds like you identified your problem, bushing not pressed in all the way. I would work on that some more. Take it somewhere with a press and have them press in. That or beat your LCA mount brackets out a little wider so it will go in.

 

[Fiffa]

Sounds like you identified your problem, bushing not pressed in all the way. I would work on that some more. Take it somewhere with a press and have them press in. That or beat your LCA mount brackets out a little wider so it will go in.

I was a little apprehensive about ****ing with the mounts, but that may be the plan B if everything else is taking too much effort. I'm hopeful that I can compress the other bushing enough while it's loosely in to give me enough slack. I used a vice and 50mm socket (41mm wrench on the other side - both fit perfect for the Whitelines) to press the bushings in. It had so much force going that I was starting to crush the metal face, so I don't think I'll be getting any more out of that method, lol.

I'm not opposed to buying new LCA's, considering the corrosion that's starting on these. Should I have any concerns if I can't get the washer in and just install without it in order to limp it home (7 miles) before the new LCA's come in?

 

[rdruss]

I was a little apprehensive about ****ing with the mounts, but that may be the plan B if everything else is taking too much effort. I'm hopeful that I can compress the other bushing enough while it's loosely in to give me enough slack. I used a vice and 50mm socket (41mm wrench on the other side - both fit perfect for the Whitelines) to press the bushings in. It had so much force going that I was starting to crush the metal face, so I don't think I'll be getting any more out of that method, lol.

I'm not opposed to buying new LCA's, considering the corrosion that's starting on these. Should I have any concerns if I can't get the washer in and just install without it in order to limp it home (7 miles) before the new LCA's come in?

I think you can limp it home. You might be able to get a thinner washer to replace the Whiteline one, or stack a couple of fender washers.

 

[Fiffa]

Thank Christ! Got them in with a little love... and a ratchet strap, lol.