Upper control arm bushings

[chetvaldes]

Howdy,
I was wondering if someone could fill me in on how to replace the upper control arm bushings on a 92 Aerostar. My main questions are: how do you disconnect the upper ball joint- does it just unbolt?; once the control arm is off, how do you remove the old bushings and install the new ones? Anything else I need to know?
Thanks,
Chet

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! This is a common wear part on all of these vans. I've done it on my 88 & 89. You have long bolts with nuts going through the frame which have to be removed. This will disconnect the upper ball joint long with the control arm, and bushings. These parts have a left & right side, so don't mix them up. The position is also important when reinstalling them. There is usually a mark left on the original location from age, so it will be easy to realign everything when it is reinstalled. The ball joint is a one piece design with the control arm. Autozone sells a kit for drilling out the studs. You will replace them with bolts, and locking nylon nuts. Don't over tighten these bolts since they could break. The bushings are pressed into place with either a ball joint press or a hydraulic press.

 

[chetvaldes]

Hey thanks. I do have a small 12 ton hydraulic press that might come in handy. I've looked around on this site and found some other tips for getting the old bushings out so I think I can tackle this without too much unexpected trouble. Interesting about the position of the parts- I'll try to pay attention to that.
Chet

 

[BrooklynBay]

I highly recommend using this wrench: http://www.explorerforum.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/347/cat/all