TonyB66
New member
I guess I will find-out later today... I took a wire brush and wire drill wheel to the arms to remove some rust. Will paint in about an hour, a couple coats, then install the new bushings. Then I'll see how they line-up...
Rear Lower Control Arm Bushing Replacement
- Thread starter mtbtim
- Start date
I guess I will find-out later today... I took a wire brush and wire drill wheel to the arms to remove some rust. Will paint in about an hour, a couple coats, then install the new bushings. Then I'll see how they line-up...
TonyB66
New member
Yup, for the record, I wouldn't recommend removing both lower arms.
That said, once I got out the lifting jack stands, it went fast actually. Not the best photo...
Coupled with the straps, these worked well. Raising and lowering the axle effectively shortens or lengthens the arms, allowing one to get the holes nicely aligned. The ratchet straps do most of the work, but on each side, the sweet spot was between two clicks on the strap's ratchet. Raising or lowering allowed for the fine-tuning to get them just right.
Because of house remodel project in the garage, I did this on the dirt though, which sucked.
That said, once I got out the lifting jack stands, it went fast actually. Not the best photo...
Coupled with the straps, these worked well. Raising and lowering the axle effectively shortens or lengthens the arms, allowing one to get the holes nicely aligned. The ratchet straps do most of the work, but on each side, the sweet spot was between two clicks on the strap's ratchet. Raising or lowering allowed for the fine-tuning to get them just right.
Because of house remodel project in the garage, I did this on the dirt though, which sucked.
octanejunkie
Elite Member
Lifting jack stand, what is this sorcery of which you speak? Lol
Truth be told, with as much wheeling as I do I would almost consider dropping two hundred bucks on the set of SPC lower control arms rather than hassle with replacing the bushings on the stock ones
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TonyB66
New member
Bought them a few years back to work on my friend's vehicles (mine are/were too low) and my old Jeep truck. Pretty neat. A bottle jack incorporated into a jack stand.
Really handy when there are limited jack points. You've been there before... Use a floor jack to get a jack stand in place, but the dang floor jack is the only spot in that area for support, or it's too large to allow sufficient space for the jack stand. No problem with these. Nice to have a pair...
20 bucks in bushings and a couple hours... I did both sides at the same time (not prudent) and it still wasn't that bad. Younger guy like you, probably not on dirt too, you'd knock it out pretty fast.
Doing the uppers now actually. A little bit tougher to reach...
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Boss Fuego
New member
Rear Bushing Replacement
Thanks for posting your feedback!
I for sure need to do this to mine.
I have a 2000 with 240k on it and I have notices after lifting it that when I accelerate "hard" not the freeway if feels like the torque shits the real axle over and pitches the left front up. It gets super squirrely if I don't use smooth throttle inputs while corner on the highway.
I think I will go ahead and replace the bushings on the Panhard bar as well while I'm at it.
Thanks for posting your feedback!
I for sure need to do this to mine.
I have a 2000 with 240k on it and I have notices after lifting it that when I accelerate "hard" not the freeway if feels like the torque shits the real axle over and pitches the left front up. It gets super squirrely if I don't use smooth throttle inputs while corner on the highway.
I think I will go ahead and replace the bushings on the Panhard bar as well while I'm at it.
zaplipzach
New member
Just ordered some whitelines to hopefully fix my smashed LCA bushings. Hope they go in smoothly.
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
richamc01
New member
I'm getting ready to do my bushings and I'm having a hard time spending $140 on a tool set (press sleeve kit) I'll probably only use once. I'll be doing this repair at my buddies house and he lives no where near a shop and I'm on a bit of a time crunch.
Has anyone done the press work using deep impact sockets or anything similar? I could cut them out I suppose, but I don't like the idea of cutting the inside of the control arm.
Does anyone have some control arms lying around to take some measurements? ID and OT?
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Has anyone done the press work using deep impact sockets or anything similar? I could cut them out I suppose, but I don't like the idea of cutting the inside of the control arm.
Does anyone have some control arms lying around to take some measurements? ID and OT?
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19963.4lsr5
New member
Can you take them to a local garage to get them installed?
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mtbtim
Elite Member
If you enjoy wrenching and like saving money, you'll use that press sleeve kit more than once. That kit paired with a Harbor Freight 20 ton press has enabled me to do many many jobs. That kit paid for itself after one use. Shop labor rates near me are $150-200/hour.
weekendclimber
New member
I have my old set I replaced with a set of SS HD LCAs. I can get some measurements tonight when I'm back at home unless someone beats me to it.
weekendclimber
New member
^^^This. I got the same/similar kit on the recommendation of [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] and have used it a bunch. Mantra: If I can do the job for the same price a shop will do it but end up with more tools, I'll do it myself.
richamc01
New member
I'm doing the work at my buddy's place since I live in an apartment complex and do not have a garage. He lives out in the "sticks" nowhere near a local shop.
This would be awesome! Please post when you get a chance!
I really do enjoy the wrenching and I especially like saving money, but without my own garage or shop the tools would just end up in storage. I already have many tools in storage that I refuse the get rid of. Maybe I can start a tool rental program on this site...[emoji848]
I might just have to bite the bullet and get the kit. I know it will save me money if I end up using it more, but I'm replacing my entire rear axle housing, front ball joints, rear axle seals, wheel bearings, CV axles, and rear brake shoes. I've bought an entire fleet of specialty tools. The cost is really adding up.
Whats one more I suppose?
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weekendclimber
New member
If you're doing all that, you'll thank us all for recommending you get that press kit. They're about $120 with tax on Amazon and they'll save you a bunch of headache and time: MOSTPLUS Universal Press and Pull Sleeve Remove Install Bushes Bearings Seals Tool Kit-25 Pieces
Brian.
Member
26Pcs Universal Press & Pull Sleeve Kit For Bearing bush on both cars and LCV | eBay
That's the kit I just bought and used for the rear upper and lower control arm bushing job. I'm also doing the front upper and lower control arms, so it was a no-brainer for me to buy them (had to buy the press too, opted for the $50 cheaper 12-ton unit, $100 with coupon). $200 all in is about what it would have cost to pay someone else to do 2 of the control arms, and less than the difference if I'd bought brand new control arms. But, I have access to a big shop building where things can sit around too....
Anyway, there's no reason why you couldn't cobble Something together, it's just that the sleeve kit will be easier and safer to use. The top part to push with isn't a Huge issue, I actually did use sockets. It's the bottom support that I'm thinking about. Maybe using an auto parts free rental (they have some kits with sleeves that would get you Most of the way there). Else you'll be trying to support the control arm on whatever you can find and turn on edge. It'll probably be wobbly, might dig into the control arm, might do a whole lot of other unpleasant things. It's the risk vs reward thing everyone has to decide for themselves.
BTW, Tim, thanks a ton for the videos and the detailed research. It's been a lot of help already and I haven't even gotten into the "hard" stuff yet.
That's the kit I just bought and used for the rear upper and lower control arm bushing job. I'm also doing the front upper and lower control arms, so it was a no-brainer for me to buy them (had to buy the press too, opted for the $50 cheaper 12-ton unit, $100 with coupon). $200 all in is about what it would have cost to pay someone else to do 2 of the control arms, and less than the difference if I'd bought brand new control arms. But, I have access to a big shop building where things can sit around too....
Anyway, there's no reason why you couldn't cobble Something together, it's just that the sleeve kit will be easier and safer to use. The top part to push with isn't a Huge issue, I actually did use sockets. It's the bottom support that I'm thinking about. Maybe using an auto parts free rental (they have some kits with sleeves that would get you Most of the way there). Else you'll be trying to support the control arm on whatever you can find and turn on edge. It'll probably be wobbly, might dig into the control arm, might do a whole lot of other unpleasant things. It's the risk vs reward thing everyone has to decide for themselves.
BTW, Tim, thanks a ton for the videos and the detailed research. It's been a lot of help already and I haven't even gotten into the "hard" stuff yet.
richamc01
New member
Thanks for the links guys. I'm going to go ahead and buy the kit. I was raised to have the right tool for the job and this shouldn't be any different!
[MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION], I can't thank you enough for all of your videos. I have a whole playlist with everything I am about to do, not to mention the timing belt video I used awhile back!
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