bushings

changing the upper and lower control arms bushings tomarow and cutting the springs down 1 coil. any tips while changing the bushings? im going to a shop to press them in/out.

I recently did the same thing.
1.5 coils dropped the car just over 2 inches.

I used a torch to melt out the old rubber bushings, and a punch and hammer to knock out the steel insert. Piece of cake all around.

When putting in the new poly bushings, I used a "poor mans vice" which was a couple of big washers, a bolt/nut, and a hammer. Lightly tap the bushing into place, run the bolt/washer setup through the bushings, and tighten 'er up. As the bolt tightens up, it sucks the bushing into place. A few good wacks once it was seated to make sure it truly was seated and I was done.

With the lower arms I used a small impact socket in the void there, so the control arm didn't collapse as the bolt was tightened.

Make sure you have a ball joint splitter...not necessary, but could come in handy.

As for getting the spring in and out...
I used a piece of 3/8" steel plate, a 5/8 fine thread bolt (grade 8), and a few nuts to fashion up a spring compressor. The way I fashioned it up kept the spring attached to the LCA so it couldn't go flying. I felt a lot more comfy with it than one of those cheapo made in china internal compressors.

Use a floor jack under the arm to lower the arm down in a controlled fashion once the ball joints are broken free. With a coil cut off it'll go in even easier.

IMO, if you plan to have that much already taken apart...go ahead and rebuilt the front end with new wheel bearings, tie rods, ball joints, etc...and save the headache that will come down the road.

Where the hell did ya manage to find any grade 8 allthread at, Bsc? I looked and looked for grade 8 with no luck so Ive always had to use 5 :eek:

so do i "NEED" a spring compresor?or can i put the car on jack stands... then unbolt the lower ball joint on the controll arm with a jack supporting the control arm then let it down? or is the compresor 100% nessecary?

Sorry, can't help ya with the grade 8 thread-stock...grade 5 is the best I can do around here as well...

I got lucky, as my father has been a heavy diesel equipment mechanic for 35 years...I raided his the bolt bin in his service truck. Found the 5/8 x 12" fine thread bolt in a tray next to his 1" drive impact gun.... :eek:

so do i "NEED" a spring compresor?or can i put the car on jack stands... then unbolt the lower ball joint on the controll arm with a jack supporting the control arm then let it down? or is the compresor 100% nessecary?

It's not necessary, I've done it both ways...
It sure is a little nicer working with one, however...especially when you're putting everything back together and trying to get everything lined up just right.

If I had to choose, though...I'd opt to use the compressor.

i dont wana buy one if im going to use it 1 or 2 times. have u ever rented one from kragen or something?

A couple things.

I have lowered/lifted too many cars and trucks than I care to count, one of them I used a spring compressor, all the others were done using the jack stands and a floor jack to lower & raise the lower the arms. I prefer the jack stand/floor jack method just because I am so used to it and it really does not save time. That is unless you are lifting it, then a compressor helps because the springs are taller/stiffer and harder to get in.

As far as the bushings go, the 3 shops I called (South Orange County area, South of you) to have them pressed wanted $10 each out and $10 each in, $80 total, no thanks. I decided to do the backyard mechanic way. I heated them up and pounded them out. Before I put them in I tossed them in the freezer overnight and they tapped in fairly easily. You have to be careful not to pound too hard because you don't want to bend the arms.

Good luck,

Mike

Before I took the upper bushings out I measured the width of my upper control arms and used a piece of angel iron cut to size to insure the arms didn't colapse at all during reinsallation of new bushings.I use a hydaulic press my buudy has at his shop.I also put the new bushings in the freezer it helps,just make sure they're square to the arm when you start to push them in and you should be fine

A couple things.
I have lowered/lifted too many cars and trucks than I care to count, one of them I used a spring compressor, all the others were done using the jack stands and a floor jack to lower & raise the lower the arms. I prefer the jack stand/floor jack method just because I am so used to it and it really does not save time. That is unless you are lifting it, then a compressor helps because the springs are taller/stiffer and harder to get in.
Good luck,
Mike

I have rebuilt many front ends and this is the way I always did it and it work out great..

i dont wana buy one if im going to use it 1 or 2 times. have u ever rented one from kragen or something?

I have not, but I know they are available.
Again, you can usually do it w/o a spring compressor.

The last time I did the job, I was using (stiffer) aftermarket springs (on a car with no hood and a fair amount of weight taken off the front end). The floor jack would begin to life the car off the jack stands before it was compressed enough that I could completely remove the nuts off the ball joints. I didn't feel safe doing it without a compressor.

With a stock spring I can't really see you having the same problem.

well its raining today so its going to have to wait till tomarow. oh and big mike... my buddy down at placentia speed shop is going to do all 8 for 20 bucks. lol. of course im gona help.

well its raining today so its going to have to wait till tomarow. oh and big mike... my buddy down at placentia speed shop is going to do all 8 for 20 bucks. lol. of course im gona help.

For $20 I would have had it done as well.

It is POURING rain here too...Oh well, we need it.

Mike

yup raining here too. i had to take the bronco out this morning bc the nova dosnt have wipers. it was like broncos on ice w/ 4wheel drums and a posi out back lol.

yup raining here too. i had to take the bronco out this morning bc the nova dosnt have wipers. it was like broncos on ice w/ 4wheel drums and a posi out back lol.

Too funny

Mike♦

Done!! Ridess Good