Change in Bushings

[elmo]

Need help. I plan on changing my stock radius arm bushings to poly. Any suggestions on what brand of bushing's to use. I do a lot of asphalt pounding. Thanks for the 411..

 

[Steve M]

I bought the ones that AutoZone supplies, they are made of very tough plastic (red color), MUCH stronger than the stock rubber ones from Ford. In fact I am having them installed at the dealership at this very moment. It was about $20 for the pair.

 

[Glen Rector]

While your at the dealership ask them why ford had to put the frame bracket on with rivets, also do you have rivets and are they removing them or not? I did the rivet removal thing, and now that the rivets are gone if I have to change them again its only about 45 min. each side. At Checker Auto Parts I got the red ones also.

 

[danny]

I used Energy Suspension's Hyperflex kit. It cost $109.95 from Summit Racing and did all the bushings front and back. The ride is much more responsive to input from the steering wheel, but also from the road (rougher). The handling on and off road is much better than it was, but I do occasionally have a tire hanging where they stayed in contact before. If you go with Energy Suspension, try to get the black color as they are graphite impregnated and less likely to develop a "squeek" over time.

My .02

------------------
Danny
91EB
www.hit.net/~danny/explorer.html

 

[Steve M]

Just a follow up on my Autozone bushing installation--

The awful creaking noise is gone and the front-end and steering are much stiffer and more responsive. I would definately recommend going w/ bushings made of tougher materials like Autozone carries, my Explorer feels solid again.

 

[DannyB]

Steve M, The awful creaking noise that you mentioned, is it when you turn the wheels? I have that problem on my 96 XLT 4X4. Which bushing do I need to replace? I'm having a hard time finding where the noise in coming from. Any help will be appreciated!!!

Thanx, DannyB

 

[Steve M]

The creaking I was experiencing occurred when stopping and over large bumps. If you are hearing creaking only when turning, then I would check the ball-joints, tie-rod ends, and other steering linkage. But from my experience, most front end noises on my '94 explorer came from the RA bushings. If you haven't yet, replace the bushings w/ high quality replacements, NOT the Ford parts, I got mine from AutoZone.

 

[Mac]

Has anyne done the axle pivot bushings? If so please reply to thread on this topic.

 

[Kitlyn]

I'm knee deep in a RA bushing change out, and I need new radial arms and the brackets?Hey does anyone know of a OEM discounted parts house. Or.. any other suggestions on where to find these items? thank you