Replacing front control arm bushings

[northerngmc]

Originally Posted by mclairmo

You could just leave a jack under the lower control arm to keep the spring in place. For added security you shoud chain the coil to the frame so it won't launch itself should the jack slide out. Or, Harbor Freight sells an inside spring compressor for not much money that will work to compress the spring and keep it from popping out. Parts stores might rent them out, too. Just be sure to not get the outside type. I would think it would be easier to replace the bushing with the arm off the truck, but you amy want to loosen the upper bushings with the arm on the truck. There are two bushings per arm.

So when you say to leave a jack under the lower control are you meaning to pop the ball joint open to get the spring out?

[Hottrucks]

do your self a favor drop the front springs...think of it this way its a nice time to put the lowered springs you wanted or to cut your stockers

Now go to Advanced auto throw them a $20 bill for each upper and lower take them off the truck replace the bars I would drop a couple ball joints in for the extra $20 each then clean and neverseiz the upper bolts for the upper control arm....paimt everthing nice and pretty and be DONE with it....once you have it all back together check your tie rod ends/links and if the are all good and tight take it to a good alignment shop


you won't regret spending the extra $$ for bal joints and your truck will drive good as new for the next.......years

[northerngmc]

Originally Posted by Hottrucks

do your self a favor drop the front springs...think of it this way its a nice time to put the lowered springs you wanted or to cut your stockers

Now go to Advanced auto throw them a $20 bill for each upper and lower take them off the truck replace the bars I would drop a couple ball joints in for the extra $20 each then clean and neverseiz the upper bolts for the upper control arm....paimt everthing nice and pretty and be DONE with it....once you have it all back together check your tie rod ends/links and if the are all good and tight take it to a good alignment shop


you won't regret spending the extra $$ for bal joints and your truck will drive good as new for the next.......years

It's not that easy here. I live in a small isolated community. Once I went to the FLAPS and asked for header bolts for a small block chevy and they said they need my VIN for that.

They were unable to find or get the control arm bushings either.

I think the PO rebuilt most of the front end because everything seems tight. Just didn't do the bushings.

[Hottrucks]

well where ever you get them the job is the same but I would still pull apart the arms it's safer and easier to remove the spring