Control Arm Bushings

[ratty]

All my upper and lower control arm bushings are shot. Does anyone recommend a specific brand or does it matter? Also, is this a job I could do myself or should I have someone else with more experience do it? 

[olddude]

I replaced mine about 15 years ago. If a old man can do it surely you can. The worst part was the preparation, getting the truck jacked up and on good jack stands, removing wheels & etc. I removed one arm at a time replaced the bushing and reinstalled. I do remember pressing out the old bushings wasn't easy. I went back with polyurethane bushings because I don't plan on doing it again.

[ratty]

3 hours ago, olddude said:

I replaced mine about 15 years ago. If a old man can do it surely you can. The worst part was the preparation, getting the truck jacked up and on good jack stands, removing wheels & etc. I removed one arm at a time replaced the bushing and reinstalled. I do remember pressing out the old bushings wasn't easy. I went back with polyurethane bushings because I don't plan on doing it again.

It does look like a pain. But got quoted $1200 for the job which got me thinking that I should just learn how to do it myself. 

[olddude]

For $1200 I would do it again.

[eaglescout526]

I bought all new MoPar arms, course they were a bit cheaper for me but MoPar is still a route that can be taken. 

[WahooSteeler]

29 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

I bought all new MoPar arms, course they were a bit cheaper for me but MoPar is still a route that can be taken. 

 

If you are running stock control arms, I would bet you'll be much happier just replacing the whole piece than fighting 30+ yr old bushings stuck in there. Aftermarket arms are very inexpensive. 

[ratty]

6 hours ago, WahooSteeler said:

 

If you are running stock control arms, I would bet you'll be much happier just replacing the whole piece than fighting 30+ yr old bushings stuck in there. Aftermarket arms are very inexpensive. 

True. Thats a good idea

[mjeff87]

But you still have to deal with the axle side bushings (UCA) with new arms.  The passenger side one is not too terrible, but the driver side can be a real bear.  Beg, borrow, buy, rent a good ball joint press kit that has ALL of the adapters.  Fiddle around with various ones until you find a combo that works.

 

Also, only do one arm at a time.  Otherwise it can be a PITA trying to get the axle lined back up to get all the CA bolts back in.

[88mancheman]

I have to agree with@WahooSteeler if your running stock control arms it’s cheaper & less of a headache to just replace the whole control arms as those bushings can be a pain to press out without ruining the stamped steel control arms, for about $120-150 you can get all 4 control arms & new axle side bushings with them, it’s something you could easily do with a good rental balljoint press.....(or a large hammer)....and a free afternoon :)

[ratty]

6 hours ago, mjeff87 said:

But you still have to deal with the axle side bushings (UCA) with new arms.  The passenger side one is not too terrible, but the driver side can be a real bear.  Beg, borrow, buy, rent a good ball joint press kit that has ALL of the adapters.  Fiddle around with various ones until you find a combo that works.

 

Also, only do one arm at a time.  Otherwise it can be a PITA trying to get the axle lined back up to get all the CA bolts back in.

Good to know. Thanks!