Body Mount Bushing Replacement Help

[mattcc88]

Hey guys,

I am about to undertake replacing the body-frame mount bushings. The creaking and rattling has gotten a bit too much for me to stand.

I was wondering if anyone had any good links to instructions (preferably with pics) for this project, as well as any advice?

How hard are they to swap out?

Also, about how much would a shop charge to replace these?

I've got a 2001 Explorer Sport

Thanks!

 

[gavin]

Not an easy task, unless some new product has come out in the last few years.

I have an Energy Suspension bushing kit.
The problem is, you have to re-use the OEM bushing hardware.
Which means cutting/torching the current rubber bushings to get them off the hardware.

I have yet to find any replacement body mount bushing hardware.
You could try hitting up a junkyard or ebay to see if you can find a set of used bushings just for the hardware.

 

[delexploder]

I've done a few and I always ( if an impact won't unbolt them) use a sawzal then make a list of the sizes of bolts and washers and nuts and go to a local tractor shop (real good source for big thick washers) and make my own hardware usually with energy suspension bushings

 

[swshawaii]

MANY posts, search "body mount bushings" in the 1995-01 or 2001-05 ST SUB forums. GL

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213515

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/Installation_Instructions/Daystar/p21012.pdf

 

[SmokeEater829]

I just did this on my 89 B2. I was able to order a complete hardware kit from www.dufftuff.com. Maybe you could check with them.

 

[mattcc88]

Thanks for all the advice guys,

Unfortunately after all the helpful links, I think my tool arsenal and skill level are a little too low to tackle this on my own. I'm giving in and taking it to a shop, which quoted $540 labor and $125 parts to swap them out. Does this sound fair?

Thanks again

 

[gavin]

Thanks for all the advice guys,

Unfortunately after all the helpful links, I think my tool arsenal and skill level are a little too low to tackle this on my own. I'm giving in and taking it to a shop, which quoted $540 labor and $125 parts to swap them out. Does this sound fair?

Thanks again

Ouch, spendy.
Although yeah, that does sound about right.
I spent over $100 on the Energy Suspension replacement body mount bushings which are still sitting in their box in my garage.

$540 labor doesn't sound too awful. Assuming ~$80/hr, that's about 6.75hrs worth of labor. Then making the assumption that they are going to (plan on) re-use the hardware, 6.75 hrs doesn't sound too terribly off.

 

[OffTrac]

That's the lowest quote I've seen for this job. Jump on that. I've had replacement bushings over a year but haven't had the time or energy for this job yet. Considering getting quotes at this point.

 

[delexploder]

Yea they are probably screwing themselves on the labor so get the quote in writing then jump on it.