2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Control arm bushing R&R help?

[abranz]

I'm going to attemp replacing the front control arm bushings on my 96. Planning on stock-type replacements. I've searched and read for about 2 hrs but can't figure out how most people are removing and reinstalling the bushings into the control arms. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Tony

 

[Fishin Guide]

The replacements I helped a buddy with included new bushings and inner sleeves. (poly). We had to get the rubber out and leave the old pressed in cages.



A simple propane torch got the rubber burning. I let it burn until it expanded up and pressed it out the back side with an old screwdriver. Then we scorched the rest of the remaining rubber off the sleeves, allowed to cool and reassembled.



Now, if you get a different type than what he had, you may have to do this process differently. But it's the same way I get the rubber out of the rear springs.



Dave

 

[AMink]

I burned the old rubber ones out too. Stinky, slow, but effective. Another way might be with a Sawzall, but you'd have to be very careful as you get close to the Control Arm hole. I replaced with polyurethane bushings.

 

[abranz]

Have you guys liked the poly bushings? Do they transmit alot of noise/vibration from the engine or road surface?

Tony

 

[DShore]

I used a 20 ton press to remove, but had to use a couple of 5/8" x 8" pieces of flat stock about a foot long to get the arch on the lower control arm in far enough to line up with the ram on the press. Then, sockets and pieces of pipe with a lot of penetrating oil to get the job done. A press and 6" vise were used for install. I used urethane bushings purchased on Ebay on both upper and lower control arms.

 

[Dave M]

For some year trucks you must re-use the casing (like on my 97) and some years require replacing the pressed in casing/bushing by using a press.



For my 97 I re-used the housings/casings and had to remove just the bushings. I used a MAPP torch (hotter than propane) and laid the control arms across two 2x4's on the ground. Then I heated the control arms around the rubber casing. It starts to sizzzle and smoke and then a loud pop and they came flying out around 4 feet. Scared me to death the first time.



Don't get in the way. You need thick gloves to prevent burns. While they were hot I used paper towels and wiped out the residue that was left. Let them cool and then I used Energy Suspension Poly bushings from Summitt Racing (About $80 3 years ago). They come with a clear sticky silicone paste in 5 little yellow containers that you apply to the bushings and the metal sleeves . The bushings fit in without pressing. There are 2 bushings for each hole that fit inside each other (one from each side of the hole) and one metal sleeve for each hole that the bolts pass thru.



Here is a link to the energy suspension site... . go to bottom of the page.

Dodge Truck Listings Page 1



The Energy Suspension PN is 5. 3120 for 94-98 4x4 2500, 3500..... the same as I used. The footnote (2) expains "(2) Must reuse existing outer metal shells" just like I did.



Study the installation guide to figure out which of the different type bushings go on front and rear of control arm. Here is a link to the Energy Suspension Installation (PDF # 17091):

http://www.energysuspension.com/pdf_instruc/17091.PDF



They come in red or black for $90. 69 from summit. Here is the a link to ordering it from summit racing:

Front Control Arm Bushings - summitracing.com



Dave

 

[JJanetka]

Ditto on the burn out method and energy suspension poly bushings. Worked great.

 

[AMink]

I used the Energy Suspension bushings too. Not only on the control arms, but everywhere. I didn't notice a huge difference in ride or noise.

 

[wcjp]

Tried to remove/install on bushings on my 96'. Eventually took them to the Napa machine shop. They cut me a deal since I bought the bushings at Napa. With their press the job went easy. The stock rubber bushings were nearly twice the price of urethane. I did two control arms at a time.

 

[Dave M]

I used the Energy Suspension bushings too. Not only on the control arms, but everywhere. I didn't notice a huge difference in ride or noise.

I used the Energy Suspension bushings on control arms, sway bar and end links. Energy Suspension offered sway bar bushings with zerk fittings to grease them, so I got those.



I don't see how the control arm bushings would effect the ride much... . at least I could not tell any difference. I think shocks probably have more effect on ride along with a solid front end (no worn parts) and tight track bar and steering box effected my handling/steering a bunch.



I used Bilstein shocks, Solid Steel 3rd track bar and a PSC (not available anymore... . try PSS) 3 turn steering box... WOW!... what a difference in front end steering and response. With my 1 ton dually the ride is stiff on my dirt road but fine on the highway.



Dave