Suspension Repair Help

[gearshift]

Just found out I need Radius Arm Bushings replaced. Serarched on-line and find they're about $20 for both sets. Local mechanic wants $1200 to replace. Am I getting the shaft?

 

[dreamr]

1200 is deffinately getting the shaft.

This is something you can do yourself, though It won't be easy

 

[ExplorerDMB]

I've seen the radius-arm bushings go out a lot in vehicles (i.e. Broncos) and I doubt we've ever charged 1200 for them. Now labor is a killer of coarse, pay for a 5 dollar part and 250 bucks for labor. Bushings aren't too hard to do if you have the right stuff and can get the vehicle on a lift. Good luck.

-Drew

 

[nak4af]

1) Remove wheel
2) Remove shock
3) Remove swaybar (if equiped)
4) Remove 1 1/8" nut holding spring to axle
5) Remove 1 1/8" nut on back of radius arm
6) You should be able to push axle out of the way far enough to pull the
radius arm from the crossmember. A BFH may be needed to move the
radius arm over a bit.
7) Install new bushing just like the old one came out.
8) Reverse sequence!

Hope you don't have any glitches!

 

[gearshift]

Thanks folks for your replies. If I had access to a lift, I'd go for it myself. Had not tried for 2nd quote from someone else yet by definitely will. Sounds like it should be no more than couple hours labor so can't see this guy charging, say $400 an hour. Thanks again!

 

[zydeco]

check the useful treads, there is a write up on replacing them. the cross member has 2 rivits and 2 bolts holding it on. I just replaced mine a few weeks ago, and drilled out the rivits and put grade 8 bolts back in. My X is known for going though these bushing and I have been paying to have them replaced. So next time they go out. I will be able to change both out in 1 to 2 hrs. took me 4 to 5 hrs this time having to drill out the rivits. drill them out was not that bad.

Zy

 

[nak4af]

Thanks folks for your replies. If I had access to a lift, I'd go for it myself...

This doesn't really require a lift. You can do it on any flat surface. See pic!

Notice there's no radius arm.

 

[huskyfan23]

Rip! Mine cost $180 parts, labor and alignment from Les Schwab.

 

[jimbo74]

i helped our mechanic replace several sets where i used to work, its pretty easy with air tools and extensions... took about 20 minutes for each side.....