Front end suspension work sequence

When you get to the LCA bushings, if you don't have access to a press, here's a great way to install the new bushings.

This little jig includes a 1-3/8" socket, a 1-13/16" socket, a 1/2" threaded rod, about 16" in length, and several washers and a 17mm nut on each end.

You use the smaller socket to drive the new ingoing bushing into the control arm, and the larger socket will capture it, so to speak, by holding the whole jig against the control arm opening (where the bushing goes). Using this jig and 2 box end wrenches you can install the bushings easier than any other method (to include using a press) in my opinion.

 

Good advice for like for like replacement of bushings with metal sleeves .

I did the energy suspension bushings which leaves the LCA bushing metal shells and requires removing the inner sleeves for reuse. It's a bit involved, grinding with dremel to remove crimp on one washer per bushing then melting them out. Took some time but doable. The biggest issue was getting the washers pressed back on the end of the inner sleeves after the new bushing was put back in the LCA. To do that I used a ball joint press c-clamp upside down in a vice. Then I positioned the LCA so the loose washer side was to the bottom of the C-clamp (up since c-clamp inverted) and pinged the sleeve edge over through the open hole in the c-clamp end once the washer was pressed and held in place. Used a hammer and a tapered ended long bolt and just worked around the inner edge of the sleeve through that c-clamp hole. Didn't find much help anywhere online for that task and came up with it. When I reinstalled the LCA I had to tap it into the brackets, was a good tight tolerance fit IMO. Maybe that'll help someone. Sorry for no pics, was in uncharted territory when I did mine but it worked out well.

 

Solid work

 

Leaf springs bushings changed today. Used ball joint press to push out the old ones and with a little pb blaster they did. It was a little tougher than I expected but I made it through. The only bushings I didn't use from the kit are 2 for the front coil over shocks, up inside the top of the coil and requiring pressing the coil. Will hang on to those and use if I ever replace shocks again. Think that's a wrap for a while. Thanks