control arm bushing help

[mudbug0426]

i bought polyurethane control arm bushings for my upper and lower control arms, i have them all installed and ready to be put back on the truck. my question is, do i need to put these metal washers on both ends of the bushings like they were when i took the old ones out? with them on its a very very tight fit going back into the frame, and i assume thats due to the bushings being new but i want to make sure before i put it all back together.

 

[Turdle]

Yes.
You might be able to spread the mounts a tad with a hydraulic ram, or a huge crescent wrench and cheater bar. If using a huge wrench and brute force, be aware of your jack stands and the excessive movement you will be applying. Be safe!!!



be sure to get the vehicle under it's own weight before tightening down the bolts, so the bushings do not get twisted out of shape.

 

[mudbug0426]

ok thank you for the tips on spreading the mounts, ill watch the jack stands. do i absolutely have to get the vehicle on its own weight before tightening the bolts? will it cause damage to the bushings? i loaded them up with grease inside and out before i put them into the control arms if that makes any difference.

 

[Turdle]

Yes. As a rule you get all suspension type parts under weight before tightening them down.

Get them snug, put the tires back on and let it down, then tighten the control lower control arm bushing bolts.

You will definitely need an alignment so just get your upper cambers adjusted well as you can by eye and drive directly to an alignment shop. I assume you installed a camber adjuster kit a the upper control arm bolts? If not, back up and do so now because the alignment shop will hate you if you don't.

 

[mudbug0426]

No I did not buy a camber adjuster kit, I have no idea what it is or what it does. Is it just the lower arm bolts I need to tighten when under load or do I need to do the upper arm bolts too?

 

[mudbug0426]

i am now working on putting the new bushings in the lower arms, and do not remember if there were washers on the bottom as well as the top, or just the top arms. is there a way i can look this up?