Lower control arm bushings

[CaseyS]

Need a little help here. Finally got the lower control arm on the ground. I already have the upper arm changed out. The part I have for the bushing that goes in the lower arm doesn't look right. Its part #15088365. I don't want to press the old bushing out until I'm certain I have the right one.






The one I have has small flanges and I guess the only way to press them on is to compress them and squeeze it into the arm. Has anyone else changed this one out. It doesn't look that bad and actually am OK not changing this one.

Second question is the rear lower bushing in the frame. This definitely looks like it needs to be changed however it doesn't look like there will be room to press this out without dropping the differential completely out of the way. That sucker is about 3" deep so that's going to be a hell of a press job going out and back in. Anyone change this one out before that can offer some pointers. I already changed the lower ball joint so I am considering throwing everything back together and save the bushings for another day, but on the other hand, everything is out already and I have the parts on hand.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

that's the front or the rear? the rear doesn't look like that one at all... the front, I have no idea, I ordered a pair and just looking without pulling the arm I can tell it's way different. If you think about it, measure that bushing, I'm really really tempted to make up a few poly bushings and the measurements would be quite helpful....

as for pointers, I'm kind of hoping for them from you so when I do mine, I don't get all irritated and such.

 

[alrock]

That's what the front looks like. That narrow section in the middle helps it bend and compress when you're fighting the f***** to press it in.

I've done the rear bushing twice. Once with the front diff in, once without. It is MUCH easier to do it with the diff moved, though not fully removed. Undo the three mounting bolts and you may be able to move it enough to do the work.

Make sure you have a variety of adapters, pieces of pipe, whatever, to push the bushings little by little. Also, when doing the bushings be sure to measure where the current ones sit now (amount of exposed space on either side) and put the new ones in the exact position. This will help on reinstallation and makes sure everything lines up correctly.

 

[alrock]

http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/for...the-lower-control-arm-today&highlight=bushing

I know I had this discussion another time on the forum, just can't find the thread.

 

[CaseyS]

Thanks alrock, I remember that thread. I've decided to save the bushings for another day. Looking at it it seems like you could drop the LCA without much other stuff moving. Just unbolt the sway link, lower shock links ball joint and inner bolts and it should drop right out.

Both uppers are done. I will have the drivers side ball joint left. I read in your other thread that you planned to do the ball joint without pulling the LCA. From what I have seen, almost everthing has to come out to get the half shaft out of out of he way to get the ball joint tool in a good position. Anyone have a trick other than this?