Part identification, bushing?

[chefduane]

Bottom up makes a difference, a good difference. That way the threaded portion of the bolt, and the nut, are up higher and subjected to less road spray so they rust less, so you are less likely to need a saw or grinder to get it off next time, but there may not be a next time.

The other side of that argument is that if, in fact, the nut or bolt itself fails (as many have) if the bolt is installed bottom up it will fall out and clang about your undercarriage as you drive over it, possibly causing additional damage to your vehicle and potentially to anyone behind you. If the bolt is installed bolt head down, and the nut, bolt or bushing fails it will stay in the hole and not fall out. Your call. I've seen them installed both ways. Functionally I don't think it makes a difference. I installed mine bolt head down.

I do think the Energy Suspension end link kit is an outstanding mod. Much less roll in turns and less plunge when braking. While your down there you might also consider doing the sway bar bushings while you're at it.

 

[J_C]

The other side of that argument is that if, in fact, the nut or bolt itself fails (as many have) if the bolt is installed bottom up it will fall out and clang about your undercarriage as you drive over it, possibly causing additional damage to your vehicle and potentially to anyone behind you. If the bolt is installed bolt head down, and the nut, bolt or bushing fails it will stay in the hole and not fall out.

I don't follow you... I doubt the nut is going to fail, maybe come unscrewed if it wasn't tight enough, after a long time and noise the whole while, but if the bolt were to break then what difference is it which end has the nut vs bolt head?

IMO the break is going to be based on rust and stress point somewhere along the length, leaving the same length piece to fall out the bottom with the bolt turned either way.

The primary cause for mine failing was rust weakened it. A liberal coating of silicone grease on the bolt should help to retard that, especially in areas that put salt on snowy/icy roads.

 

[chefduane]

As I said, it's the installers call as to how you want to put it in. My preference (for the reasons stated above) was to put the bolt in from above. Regardless, I agree that a good coating of grease should prevent a failure and make any required repair easier.

 

[Arkie71]

Do the tires have to be straight or can I turn them and do each side that way? Much easier to get to with the tire turned.