LCA Bushings, how hard to replace? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

r0lf- · 04-13-2005, 04:16 PM

So My LCA bushings are pretty much shot, no suprise seeing how its almost a 30 year old truck. Am I gonna be able to replace these myself or do I need a shop to do it? My manual for the truck says have a shop do it. Input?

**swervin ervin** · 04-13-2005, 07:03 PM

This will explain how I rebuilt my frontend. It's not real hard to do but can get annoying at times if you let it. Depending on how handy you are with tools, it might just be within your scope of things to do yourself.

http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/chas...n/frontend.htm

boxrodz · 04-14-2005, 12:27 AM

Swervin's guide (as well as his others) are very good articles.

To remove the bushing from the LCAs, you could use a drill to 'drill out' the rubber bushing (between the metal sleeve and metal insert). Then, use pliers to wrestle the rubber bushing away from the metal sleeve and insert. Once the rubber bushing is removed, the metal sleeve can be deformed using a hammer and punch and then removed. Then remove the metal insert from around the LCA shaft.

OEM bushings (rubber) are one piece vs the three piece urethane bushings. This makes it a bit more difficult to install. Install the first bushing using a press/vice as mentioned in the article. Then, insert the LCA shaft (lubed) and install the second bushing. A different adapter is needed to press in this bushing around the LCA shaft. You may want to take your disassembled LCAs and have a shop press in the bushings.

While you have everything apart, you may want to replace your ball joints at this time, especially if they're worn.

elvis50138 · 04-14-2005, 11:48 AM

Swervin... fabulous write-up. I actually was looking for something like this yesterday in the FAQ as I plan to do this in the near future. Thanks.

r0lf- · 04-14-2005, 02:34 PM

Thanks a bunch swerve! Thats exactly what I need. Are you using energy suspension bushings? Thats what im planning on replacing with. Having a loud THUNK everytime I air up is definitely annoying, stupid bushing popping into another position.

Izzy · 04-14-2005, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r0lf-

Thanks a bunch swerve! Thats exactly what I need. Are you using energy suspension bushings? Thats what im planning on replacing with. Having a loud THUNK everytime I air up is definitely annoying, stupid bushing popping into another position.

It may still do that afterward. With the ART front mounts my 83 made that sound because the bag is somewhat twisted from when it's laid out to when it's lifted to ride height. Used to happen around 35-40 when raising it.

r0lf- · 04-14-2005, 03:01 PM

Hrmmm, well it happened with my springs too, when id put the truck up on jacks then lower it back down, it would totally THUNK into place finally. Is this the same with the springs seating or something?

I have SD uppers and cups if that matters.

04-13-2005, 04:16 PM	#1
r0lf- Hotwheels? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Pleasant Hill, CA Posts: 1,145	LCA Bushings, how hard to replace? So My LCA bushings are pretty much shot, no suprise seeing how its almost a 30 year old truck. Am I gonna be able to replace these myself or do I need a shop to do it? My manual for the truck says have a shop do it. Input? __________________ 1978 Money Pit - CUSTOM DELUXE!!!!

04-13-2005, 07:03 PM	#2
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	This will explain how I rebuilt my frontend. It's not real hard to do but can get annoying at times if you let it. Depending on how handy you are with tools, it might just be within your scope of things to do yourself. http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/chas...n/frontend.htm __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

04-14-2005, 12:27 AM	#3
boxrodz Until Seventy Times Seven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range Posts: 1,301	Swervin's guide (as well as his others) are very good articles. To remove the bushing from the LCAs, you could use a drill to 'drill out' the rubber bushing (between the metal sleeve and metal insert). Then, use pliers to wrestle the rubber bushing away from the metal sleeve and insert. Once the rubber bushing is removed, the metal sleeve can be deformed using a hammer and punch and then removed. Then remove the metal insert from around the LCA shaft. OEM bushings (rubber) are one piece vs the three piece urethane bushings. This makes it a bit more difficult to install. Install the first bushing using a press/vice as mentioned in the article. Then, insert the LCA shaft (lubed) and install the second bushing. A different adapter is needed to press in this bushing around the LCA shaft. You may want to take your disassembled LCAs and have a shop press in the bushings. While you have everything apart, you may want to replace your ball joints at this time, especially if they're worn. __________________ boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin...

04-14-2005, 02:34 PM	#5
r0lf- Hotwheels? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Pleasant Hill, CA Posts: 1,145	Thanks a bunch swerve! Thats exactly what I need. Are you using energy suspension bushings? Thats what im planning on replacing with. Having a loud THUNK everytime I air up is definitely annoying, stupid bushing popping into another position. __________________ 1978 Money Pit - CUSTOM DELUXE!!!!

04-14-2005, 03:01 PM	#7
r0lf- Hotwheels? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Pleasant Hill, CA Posts: 1,145	Hrmmm, well it happened with my springs too, when id put the truck up on jacks then lower it back down, it would totally THUNK into place finally. Is this the same with the springs seating or something? I have SD uppers and cups if that matters. __________________ 1978 Money Pit - CUSTOM DELUXE!!!!

04-14-2005, 11:48 AM	#4
elvis50138 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: IA Posts: 118	Swervin... fabulous write-up. I actually was looking for something like this yesterday in the FAQ as I plan to do this in the near future. Thanks.



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