Replace control arm bushings when installing 4 new ball joints?

[LuMax]

New member, first post, glad to be here! I stumbled across this forum while searching for parts online.

I own a 99 Eddie B AWD V8 with 70K miles, bought it new 9/99. My only vehicle besides my bicycle.

My front ball joints are going (upper left and lower right) so I have decided to replace all 4 of them (DIY) at once. I'm putting in new front shocks at the same time, Monroe 911122's as well as adding the front sway bar bushing and end link kit from Energy Suspension.

I recently replaced the rear shocks with a pair of Monroe 58617's due to rear leaf spring sag, and replaced the stock rear sway bar with a Hellwig 7648. I haul lots of heavy stuff in the back and had definitely tweaked the springs a bit. I love the replacement shocks, I now have a great ride and restored ride height even with a load.

Just last week I replaced all four rotors and brake pads.

My front suspension questions:

1. Since I am going through all of the trouble of replacing all four ball joints, should I go ahead and also replace the control arm bushings at the same time (thinking of using Moog K8704 and K8705's), or is this simply rarely necessary?

2. I'm assuming I will need a hydraulic press for the R&R of the control arm bushings, correct? I have a very good friend who has already volunteered to loan me his ball joint press set in exchange for 6 frosty ones.

I plan to keep this vehicle for some time (unless my Powerball numbers ever hit that is), and would prefer to do all of the work in one shot.

BTW, thank you very much for everyone who contributed to the threads on replacing the upper and lower ball joints, I found them extremely helpful.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[jp450]

If you are thinking of replacing the lower bushings... Don't bother... In my opinion they rarely go bad... The upper control arms should be replaced when you install new ball joints.

There is an exception to the right upper as it is a two piece control arm... If you replace with Moog you will most likely just get the outer part of the assembly. In this case I would just replace that unless there is a problem with the inner part. Before you buy the new uppers, check to see if you have a 2 piece right upper control arm. Sometimes the dealers will replace them with the "new and improved" one piece part.

Jeff

 

[Cobraguy]

If you want to replace the lower bushings, just buy the entire control arm. Much easier than pressing bushings in and out of the old one. By the time you pay someone to press the old ones out and new ones in, it will probably be cheaper too.

As was mentioned, uppers come with control arms. You can buy a Moog upper that has a replaceable joint if you want to go that way. But why bother...replacing the upper control arm every 9 to 10 years is no big deal and gives you new bushings.

I'm not too keen on your idea of using load carrying shocks on the rear. You are placing quite a bit of stress on the shock mounts that weren't designed to carry it. Might want to keep an eye on that so they don't bend or break on you.

 

[LuMax]

Thanks for the excellent replies.

I think I will go with entirely new upper control arms and just replace the lower ball joints. Sounds much easier to.

I was thinking of replacing the rear leaf springs but that was quite expensive. I tried "helper" leaf springs on a different vehicle before and really did not care for them. The back end of the truck definitley sat lower than when new, and when there was even a couple of hundred pounds in the back it sagged noticeably. The coil-overs reestablished the original ride height and the ride is quite nice. I will keep an eye on the shock mounts as you suggested.

Thanks again.

 

[perry14]

control arm

if you buy a new control arm off thepartsbin.com you can get it with the bushings and ball joint already pressed in. it will be alot cheaper and more cost effective for you to do. labor will be alot easier and faster also

 

[jsfordboy02]

Where can I find the 2 piece passenger side upper control arm? I already replaced the ball joint part but I want to replace the piece with the bushings. I have to replace the driver side upper and then it will need an alignment so I might as well do both sides. Should I just press them out and replace them? Figured the entire thing would just be easier to replace.