Radius arm bushings?

[fordkrazy]

I am about to have my radius arm bushings replaced by the dealer on tuesday and want to know if im doing the right thing. is there a better replacement for this part and if so can i do it myself?

 

[leebo]

The radius arm bushings are a problem on the Explorer from all I've heard. The biggest problem is the cat-back on the passanger side. Ford put a heat sheild there but it's not enough and the heat still does damage on the bushing. These bushings aren't that hard to do yourself. Energy Suspension makes both radius bushings as well as bushings for the whole truck. The whole kit runs about $100 are improves the ride and body roll a ton. They take about a weekend to install in the driveway. You also could buy just the radius bushing and install it yourself. This will take about an hour or two depending on removing the arm itself. If you know anybody with air tools this makes it a breeze. These might run you about $20 or so. My suggestion to you is to go for it and do it yourself.

Dead Link Removed

 

[FlyAU]

I would recommend doing it yourself. It's going to be very expensive if you pay someone to do it. When I got my new tires, the "helpful" tire guys discovered the front bushings were shot and "helpfully" volunteered to replace them for me. I said sure, what the hell, I'm here, why not? The bushings were about $30 apeice...labor was about $140. On reflection, I guess I could have replaced them on my own, but hey, hindsight's 20/20, right?

 

[leebo]

After looking back on it as well as hearing some info I would take a trip to the dealer. I COULD BE WRONG but I think the bushings might be a recall item. If so, heck let the dealer fix it. If not.....do it yourself.

 

[PhxExplorer]

Fordcrazy, make sure that you get the poly bushings instead of the stock rubber bushings as they stand up much better to the heat. I found poly bushings at Autozone for $3.99 a piece and installed them myself in about 3 or 4 hours. Really wasn't that hard to do. If the bushings are a warranty item also make sure the dealershio puts in poly bushings. Good luck!

 

[rpenner54]

Since I lifted mine I run poly on the inside and rubber on the outside. It seems to work well. Since the outside ones fail more often then the inside ones its a good compromise. Also it changes the way it flexes I think.

 

[FMNavajo]

Do a search on Radius Arm Bushings and you'll get plenty of information. I think everyone on this site has asked about these at one time or another.

Good luck,
FM