Control Arm Bushing replacement

[SigFTW]

I'm about to replace all the front control arm bushings on my 1979 C10 and drop in a new set of lowered springs.

Anything special tool I need other than ball joint separator tool?

[Tx Firefighter]

They just suck to change. I've been doing this stuff over 20 years and still avoid doing 73-87 bushings if I can. I use a very powerful air hammer to drive them out and a shop press to install the new ones. It's still a pain. It's easy to crush the lower control arms where the bushings pass through both webs if you aren't careful. I've asked other guys who are pros and they don't have any easier solutions to offer.

I actually have a set in my shop to put in my 78 real soon. This time around I chose Prothane brand since they resue the outer shells of the originals. I'm hoping it will be a much easier swap because of this.

Energy Suspension and stock replacements require replacing the outer shells. These are Energy Suspension ones I did a few years ago.


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[SigFTW]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

They just suck to change. I've been doing this stuff over 20 years and still avoid doing 73-87 bushings if I can. I use a very powerful air hammer to drive them out and a shop press to install the new ones. It's still a pain. It's easy to crush the lower control arms where the bushings pass through both webs if you aren't careful. I've asked other guys who are pros and they don't have any easier solutions to offer.

I actually have a set in my shop to put in my 78 real soon. This time around I chose Prothane brand since they resue the outer shells of the originals. I'm hoping it will be a much easier swap because of this.

Energy Suspension and stock replacements require replacing the outer shells. These are Energy Suspension ones I did a few years ago.

I have the Energy Suspension ones to install.

[cory d]

some people burn the rubber out, some drill it out. i just opened up the inter rolled tube with a hammer and chizzle and used a punch to beat the outer sleeve out. soaking in penetrating oil helped once i got them moving. it took me about 4 house to do all of them and i was busting ass. but that was my first time

[INSIDIOUS '86]

I gave mine to car quest they threw them in a furnace then a rotisserie bead blaster. That made it much easier but it cost me $160. I drilled and tapped for zerks after that as well
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[cory d]

............cheater

[naphtali5725]

Big hammer, cold chisel, and an air chisel.... easiest I have found. The C clamp ball joint tool, and bushing tool from H/F comes in handy unless you have a press... good luck

[S10Fan]

I burn out the rubber, cut a slit in the outer steel then air hammer the sleeve to submission.

As stated above sucks either way you do it.

[Koffer]

I cheated and got new loaded upper control arms since my upper ball joints were shot,bushings were beyond shot and bumper was missing too. $51 a side from rockauto it was a no brainer

[SigFTW]

Originally Posted by Koffer

I cheated and got new loaded upper control arms since my upper ball joints were shot,bushings were beyond shot and bumper was missing too. $51 a side from rockauto it was a no brainer

One upper arm has rivets instead of bolts holding the ball joint. I want to make them the same so once I start tearing down the front end, I'll look a replacing or cutting out the ball joint.

[ghettoluxury]

Originally Posted by SigFTW

One upper arm has rivets instead of bolts holding the ball joint. I want to make them the same so once I start tearing down the front end, I'll look a replacing or cutting out the ball joint.

The ball joint with the rivets is still the original.

[Tx Firefighter]

Agree on riveted original.

If you need bushings, you surely need new ball joints too.
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[SigFTW]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Agree on riveted original.

If you need bushings, you surely need new ball joints too.
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It's hard to tell until I pull it apart, looks like some work was done and some pf the parts look newer. I'll check it all out once it apart and replace the ball joints.

[SigFTW]

The more I start to fix something the more I want to tear it down and start from the ground up.

The engine is in great shape, rebuilt 350 with 30k. Runs very well after a tune-up.

This is my first rebuild and I want to keep it within a budgeted amount. May go over a little. So fare it's right on course.

[Koffer]

Originally Posted by SigFTW

One upper arm has rivets instead of bolts holding the ball joint. I want to make them the same so once I start tearing down the front end, I'll look a replacing or cutting out the ball joint.

I hear you there . The new upper control arms also have the ball joints riveted .
I replaced the whole arm since I figured replacing the bushings, ball joints, rubber bumper plus cleaning and painting was going to be a long whole weekend project where swapping out the whole thing on both sides was about an hour.
Took just as long to get out the the tools ,clean up and put them back

[t5noel]

I used an air hammer, it was ugly and difficult to replace the bushings. I'll never do it again. If I can buy new control arms already assembled I will go that route.

[74 stepside]

What I do is weld in some steel on the bottom of the arms to give it more strength before using a press. Plus it also helps keep the arms from getting bent when they hit the ground on lowered trucks.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by 74 stepside

What I do is weld in some steel on the bottom of the arms to give it more strength before using a press. Plus it also helps keep the arms from getting bent when they hit the ground on lowered trucks.

Very smart idea. That would sure help with the crushing issue when using a press.

[SigFTW]

Originally Posted by 74 stepside

What I do is weld in some steel on the bottom of the arms to give it more strength before using a press. Plus it also helps keep the arms from getting bent when they hit the ground on lowered trucks.

Good ideal!

[wraprail]

X3 on the reinforcement. Think I will try that.

I been avoiding doing my lowers but its time. I have had the new lower bushings in my garage freezer for so long they are frozen in ice. I will have to defrose the frige to get them out.
If I find any new tips I will let you know.

[SigFTW]

Originally Posted by wraprail

X3 on the reinforcement. Think I will try that.

I been avoiding doing my lowers but its time. I have had the new lower bushings in my garage freezer for so long they are frozen in ice. I will have to defrose the frige to get them out.
If I find any new tips I will let you know.

Do you normally keep bushings in the freezer if you store them for lone periods of time?

[wraprail]

I put them in the freezer to make installation easier. They get a little smaller.
It helps.
I put them in there a couple days in advance of doing the job. ... That was 6 months ago.
Not looking forward to doing it
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[king-918]

Buy new save yourself the heart ache
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[S10Fan]

Originally Posted by king-918

Buy new save yourself the heart ache
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I don't disagree, new arm, new bushings, and new ball joints.

[Tx Firefighter]

I do disagree.

High quality components will last much longer than Chinese replacement arms. American made ball joints and bushings in an original control arm will give much longer service.

The best way is seldom easy or cheap. But, it's worth it in the end.
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