Radius arm bushings

[sparker_1982]

Ok so heres the deal 94 explorer I want to replace the RA bushings.I have read that you can go from behind the RA and take the bracket off and just slide the bushings on and put bracket on.But then I have read that you have to take the Shock and Spring off and the RA.So if anybody can lead me in the right direction so I don't kill myself.:exp:

 

[awood]

There are other posts around about this. Do a forum search here and you should be able to find what you're looking for.

Basically there are two ways to do it. I've read that you can drill out the rivets holding the bracket. Then you can replace the bushings easily with the bracket off. I think the procedure is to just use hardened (grade 8) bolts to replace the rivets.

The other way is to remove the shock and spring, the nut on the back of the radius arm, and then use a come-along to gently pull on the axle forward enough so that the threaded portion of the radius arm clears the bracket so that you can remove the bushings.

It's a lot more involved, but I believe there are picture galleries out there somewhere.

 

[IAmTodd]

Grinding the rivets is far easier in the long run if you plan on keeping the truck for a while. The second time you have to change them will be a breeze. Since you'll be removing the crossmember this will give you a chance to inspect it and replace it if the radius arm holes have significant wear.

 

[Carguy3J]

If the brackets are still riveted, then they are oem; which means they are 20 years old. It is almost certain that the bushing "holes" will be worn or "egged". Just go ahead and plan on changing them right from the start. It will make the bushing replacement easier, and you won't be sitting there waiting for parts when you discover they are bad.

Also be sure to have new catalytic converter gaskets on hand ( the front 3-bolt triangular gasket, and the rear "donut"). Yes, you can do the RA bushings/brackets with the cat in, but its much easier with it out. I would also replace those exhaust bolt with stainless while they are out. It will make future removal much easier.

I would also highly recommend using energy suspension polyurethane bushings. They improve handling and will last much longer then rubber or thermoplastic; especially on the passenger side, which is exposed to a lot of heat from the cat. On that note, make SURE you replace the little heat shield "cup" that goes over the passenger side bushing, or the cat will cook it!

 

[IAmTodd]

Just an opinion from a different point of view; I've heard rubber is better for the radius arms. Poly bushings are very stiff and offer very little flexibility. Rubber bushings flex more and allow for easier suspension travel and flex.

I put poly bushings on my truck before I knew of this. For a street only truck I double it will make much of a difference but I'd like to flex as much as possible with the least amount of restriction.

 

[sparker_1982]

Thanks guys

 

[arco777]

The other way is to remove the shock and spring, the nut on the back of the radius arm, and then use a come-along to gently pull on the axle forward enough so that the threaded portion of the radius arm clears the bracket so that you can remove the bushings.

It's a lot more involved, but I believe there are picture galleries out there somewhere.

I have done it this way... never again! Not any fun! Could have much more easily just ground off the rivets, removed bracket, and reinstalled with new bolts...

 

[awood]

I have done it this way... never again! Not any fun! ...

Ditto.

 

[malohnes]

Grind the rivets off...far better way to do the job.

 

[Roadrunner777]

Adding a vote to grind the rivets.

 

[sparker_1982]

Ok so I got the rivets and bolts off replaced bracket.Bolted it on but now I can't Line the radius arm with the bracket hole.HELP

 

[IAmTodd]

Bolt(loosely) the radius arms to the bracket and then use a jack to lift the bracket into place.

 

[DeRocha]

Just an opinion from a different point of view; I've heard rubber is better for the radius arms. Poly bushings are very stiff and offer very little flexibility. Rubber bushings flex more and allow for easier suspension travel and flex.

I put poly bushings on my truck before I knew of this. For a street only truck I double it will make much of a difference but I'd like to flex as much as possible with the least amount of restriction.

Cheaper poly bushings can be hard as a rock. If you go with quality bushings (Energy suspension, Daystar) they are just as soft as rubber and last much longer (best of both worlds).