GrumpysMJ Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 My questions may be routine for you all, but I'm new to Jeep and stright front axel parts. It's concerning an 88 Comanche base model 2 wheel drive. Just got back from having a steering box installed, new tires, and a front end alignment. They let me inspect the undercarriage and I found the following: Needs a track bar. Control arm bushings are shot--they appear to be the original, 144,000 miles. I plan on buying new track and upper & lower control arms rather than trying to replace the bushings, and will be going with stock replacements. The truck will be used only as a run around and taken to shows, so I don't need hi performance parts. Questions--- Can the track bar and control arms be replaced with the truck on the ground, or does the axle have to be supported? I have a set of ramps I made for my Mustang, and they'll get the front end up another 8 inches. I do have a floor jack if the axle has to be supported, and I know to do only one side at a time. It would be easier, for me, if the swap can be done with the truck on the ground. I have compressor and air tools if needed. Thanks for putting up with a newbie's questions. GrumpysMJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 WJ arms are much better than even new MJ arms and much cheaper (about $30 a pair at a junkyard). :thumbsup: just need to trim the steel bushing a bit with the tool of your choice (angle grinder, sawzall, etc). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geonovast Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 The track bar can easily be replaced with it on the ground, as well as the LCAs as long as you do one at a time. I wouldn't recommend ramps as you may want to pop the wheels off to do the LCAs (for more room) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 While the LCA bushings are pressed into the arm itself, the UCA is different. One bushing is in the arm, the other on the front axle beam. Both need to be replaced. The ones on the beam axle can be a bear to replace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpysMJ Posted March 22, 2013 Author Share Posted March 22, 2013 Thanks. Track bar is first, already have one on order. Replaced steering box (manual steering) took care of 90% of the looseness. Track bar had some play in it. All the other parts seemed to be tight, and lubed. Just going over everything to get it to 100% reliable and tight. Should have thought of taking wheel off to do control arm. Had to do the same thing when I changed the arms on the rear of the Mustang. GrumpysMJ :USAflag: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpysMJ Posted March 22, 2013 Author Share Posted March 22, 2013 Also, and correct me if I'm wrong, I think only the lower arms are available, with only the bushings available for the upper arm. At least thats what Rock Auto lists, as far as stock replacement. Couldn't really see the upper beam bushing. Just figured it, like the others, were worn. Lowers are the worst and will be first. GrumpysMJ Just found a site, Quadratec, that has the upper arm with one bushing installed and the beam bushing sold seperately. If it's that hard to change out, I'll probably change out everything but that bushing. Their prices are better than Rock Auto anyway. Forgive a Noob for not doing his homework!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 The beam bushings are like any other suspension arm bushing to remove; it's just that there's not a whole lot of room to work. Some guys cut them out, burn them out or beat them out. I made up a homemade press from threaded rod, pipe reducers and assorted washers and it worked well to press them out and press the new ones in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keyav8r Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 Don - photo, sketch, plans on your bushing press? Is it patented yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geonovast Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 I was able to get them out with a ball joint press and a short piece of pipe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 No, not patented. :yes: I got the idea from a link I can't find now. It's very similar to the one below. I'll snap a pic of it tomorrow. It's pretty simple; the pipe reducer on mine is just big and deep enough for the bushing to slide in and out of. Bastid Polish Spammer is history now.............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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