Control arm bushings?

[danlong]

I'm about to convert my AWD to 2WD, and I'm trying to gather all my parts so I can do the whole front end in one big swoop, because I need to have it done in about a day. Anyway, I wanted to replace my control arm bushings with some polyurethane bushings, but Energy Suspension only lists a part # for 2wd control arms. From what I've read, 2wd, 4wd and AWD all use the same control arms, but I've seen this listed in a few places. Any ideas?

 

[BigDave!!!]

im almost 100% positive that they all use the same arms, uppers and lowers

 

[danlong]

I'm pretty positive that the arms are the same, but the ES site actually says "2wd only" under the part #, I just thought it was strange and wondered if something else could have been different that would have mattered.

 

[98svt]

did you ever get the lower control arm bushings installed?

 

[danlong]

Yeah, I did the upper and lower bushings, they're a pain in the butt to do, but they fit perfectly.

 

[bkantor]

Any tips for popping the lower bushings out (Press, BFH, Torch, etc)? I have the driver side down right now and am trying to get them out. I have the ball joint press but haven't had much luck yet... I just got too tired last night.

Thanks.
Brad

 

[danlong]

I didn't have a press available, but I'm sure that would work well. I used a drill bit to drill a bunch of holes in the old bushing, then use a pick to pry out sections of the rubber. Eventually I could use a BFH and a socket to drive the sleeve out, then the rest of the old bushing could be pried out. Sometimes using a torch would help loosen the bushing as well. Good Luck!

 

[bkantor]

Thanks for the advice. I tried some more but just wasn't getting them out.

I broke down and took it over to tires plus. They popped them out in about 15 minutes for $20.00. I wont complain considering how far I got. They had to take an acetelene torch and air hammer to break them loose. I know how I'm getting the other side done!!!

Brad