Dreaded Radius Arm bushings

[Robrt32]

I noticed a slight rattle the last few weeks... I figured what it was, I confirmed it yesterday... I dread this job.. But I gotta do it and definitely not gonna pay 2 or 3 hundred dollars.... I will tackle it in 2 weeks, weekend after my next check

 

[Noved1987]

good luck there are many different ways to do it. last time i used the cum-a-long method next time i will drill the bracket off.

 

[marragtop]

Needless to say, there are many posts on this forum on the various ways to replace them. Good luck.

 

[Robrt32]

I changed them on a 86 Ford F-150 the come a long way ... It wasn't that bad... took a couple hours ... I'm guessing it not that easy on the sploders since that's not the typical way.. I will prolly cut the ribets

 

[4x4xbrian.com]

Just torch the rivits, its a 2 hour job, no big deal...
air hammer w/ chisel works too if you do not have a torch

 

[Robrt32]

I went and picked up the bushings.... I'm gonna attack it Sunday Morning.... I have a air chisel, air punch, cutting torch , drills, bits, saw zaw and a BFH.... The rivets don't stand a chance!! lol

 

[DeRocha]

...I have a air chisel, air punch, cutting torch , drills, bits, saw zaw and a BFH.... The rivets don't stand a chance!! lol

Now that's an arsenal! Those rivets are going to take a beating :

 

[4x4xbrian.com]

Thats The Spirt!!!!!!!!!! Kick its butt!

 

[Robrt32]

Its done.... It took about 5 hours , I had to weld on my passenger side.. It took me a minute to find the right size tubing to weld back in it.....

I noticed the bracket that mounts the stabilizer bar to the frame on the passenger side is GONE!!.... Reckon that's gonna be a junkyard or dealer item? or would Advance have it?

 

[DeRocha]

Its done.... It took about 5 hours , I had to weld on my passenger side.. It took me a minute to find the right size tubing to weld back in it.....

I noticed the bracket that mounts the stabilizer bar to the frame on the passenger side is GONE!!.... Reckon that's gonna be a junkyard or dealer item? or would Advance have it?

It took me all weekend to do mine.. So your 5 hours was FAST.. IMO.. (I guess I just work Sloooooooooow)..

RockAuto Parts Look for Radius arm bracket under the suspension heading. ($32-$43 per side depending on Moog/Spicer part #s)

 

[jklett]

I just did mine, it wasn't too tough once I got mad and bought a new air hammer. There ain't a lot of swing room for the good ole precision alignment tool. Unfortunately I have to do it again once the new bracket comes in(I guess it was bad for a lot longer than I realized) but at least the rivets are gone. Took about 5 hours, would've been much quicker if I used the air hammer from the get go. Second time should be a 2-3 hour job at the most. I am glad I found this forum, thanks to all of you guys I've been able to diagnose and fix a lot of the problems with my truck(93 XLT).

 

[beauboy]

I don't get it. I've replaced my Radius Arm Bushings about 3 times now over my 210,000 miles. I've never cut the rivets. Just pulled out my Haynes manual and followed the instructions. It's never taken me more than 2.5 hours each time. Am I missing something? My '91 Ex still runs great.

 

[Maniak]

Thats the other way to do it, BUT, if the bushings are neglected you need to change the bracket. From the factory it has bolts and rivets so bolts are just fine. I can change our radius arm bushings in about 1 hour.. sometimes upwards of 2 hours if I'm having an off day. I do it by dropping the brackets since we removed the rivets years ago (when the lift went in).

~Mark