Control Arm Bushing replacement

[king-918]

Sometimes we need to learn the hard way
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[Tx Firefighter]

I'm not saying anyone is wrong, I was just offering an opposing opinion.

Let me post a couple of pics I took awhile back. Cheap idler arm versus Moog idler arm. Yes it costs more money but look at the huge difference in construction.




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And, King, I've read your build thread a couple of times. I really like the work you're doing.

[SigFTW]

Was able to break down the driver’s side and removed the top arm. All the ball joints are tight on that side, must have been rebuilt. The bushings however are in really bad shape. I was able to pull the rubber out without any major undertaking.

Instead of using the metal sleeves that came with the bushing set, I decided to use the new inner sleeve and busing and leave the control are sleeves alone, it in great shape. I’ll tackle the lower arms tonight.

I popped the steering ball joints on the passenger’s side, it will require some new parts because it was lose and sloppy.

With this little tool and the tuning fork busting ball joints was very easy.



Thanks guys for all the helpful insight!

[SigFTW]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I'm not saying anyone is wrong, I was just offering an opposing opinion.

Let me post a couple of pics I took awhile back. Cheap idler arm versus Moog idler arm. Yes it costs more money but look at the huge difference in construction.




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And, King, I've read your build thread a couple of times. I really like the work you're doing.

I want good parts also so I am looking at RockAuto for replacement ball joints and steering arms. Do they sale good parts?

[Remon.]

Originally Posted by SigFTW

I want good parts also so I am looking at RockAuto for replacement ball joints and steering arms. Do they sale good parts?

They sell the blue and yellow MOOG's, so yes. Don't know about the more expensive ones Rockauto sells?

[Koffer]

Rockauto sells the econo to the pro grade stuff , with these trucks they have many listed suppliers too like Delco and Moog.

[king-918]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I'm not saying anyone is wrong, I was just offering an opposing opinion.

Let me post a couple of pics I took awhile back. Cheap idler arm versus Moog idler arm. Yes it costs more money but look at the huge difference in construction.




Posted via Mobile Device

And, King, I've read your build thread a couple of times. I really like the work you're doing.

Thanks, I'm just saying I wanted the experience of rebuilding mine and now I wish I could have that time back. Also should have said I would use Dorman. We replace control arms all day with them and have
0 problems
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[bluex]

Originally Posted by 74 stepside

What I do is weld in some steel on the bottom of the arms to give it more strength before using a press. Plus it also helps keep the arms from getting bent when they hit the ground on lowered trucks.

You guys think $75 is a fair price to have both arms plated up like this? Dropped mine off to have them done today. I would do it, but the lowers are to big to sneak into work an i have no welder at home yet....
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[wraprail]

Originally Posted by S10Fan

I don't disagree, new arm, new bushings, and new ball joints.

I'm not aware of anyone selling new lower control arms.
Post a link please.
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[THE "10" SILVERADO]

Anyone want to replace my bushings for me then? After reading how much of a PITA they are I don't want to do mine myself....LOL

[Big Dawgs 86]

I removed my bushings from my control arms and was wondering if I can use the outer sleeves that are already in there and put in my new bushings... From energy suspension.. Or do I need to replace the outer sleeve too..
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[INSIDIOUS '86]

Replace the outer sleeves. They are made to match the new bushings
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[Big Dawgs 86]

Will do .. Thank you sir
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[Tx Firefighter]

There is no need to change the outer shell if the original is the same size as the new ones that Energy Suspension includes. It's just a metal tube. Prothane brand urethane bushings don't even include a new outer tube and require you to resuse the original.
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[S10Fan]

Originally Posted by wraprail

I'm not aware of anyone selling new lower control arms.
Post a link please.
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http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rn...20?prefilter=1

[SigFTW]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

Replace the outer sleeves. They are made to match the new bushings
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I am reusing the original outer sleeve and the new inner, fits fine, very snug. I see no reason to change it outer sleeves.

[SigFTW]

Originally Posted by S10Fan

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rn...20?prefilter=1

That's cheating

[S10Fan]

Originally Posted by sigftw

that's cheating

lol

[king-918]

What is the difference
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[pa_snowman]

that link doesn't look like my '79 3/4 ton lower. it looks more like my '67 1/2 ton. too bad they are made by dorman. being in the parts related business i'm not a big fan of dorman products

[pa_snowman]

i've started taking my '79 lower control arms apart. i removed the arms, then removed the pivot nuts and cupped washers. next i cut the exposed rubber froom the outter portion of the bushing and drilled the rubber seperating the inner and outter sleeve (as suggested in this thread). i placed the arm in my 20 ton press and applyed pressure. the bushing started to move but wanted to crush the arm but with a tap of a hammer on the arm near the bushing it popped out with no problem.

[pa_snowman]

i have a question about the pivot bolt on the lower arm. does the bolt come out of the center sleeve (pipe)? it looks like there is rubber between the pivot bolt and outter sleeve (pipe) between the 2 bushings. i don't want to force it out and destroy something that can't be repaired. anyone know if this should come apart?

[S10Fan]

Originally Posted by pa_snowman

that link doesn't look like my '79 3/4 ton lower. it looks more like my '67 1/2 ton. too bad they are made by dorman. being in the parts related business i'm not a big fan of dorman products

Click on the "Application" tab on that link. The site also states that images may differ from the actual product.

[S10Fan]

I've noticed a trend on this site that isn't a good one. Lately I'm seeing more and more comments that could easily lead to a *issing contest. One of the great things about this site is the intolerance of that kind of behavior. I do hope this site isn't going the way of some others out in internet land where keyboard attacks are the norm.

Have a great day all!

[SigFTW]

Originally Posted by pa_snowman

i have a question about the pivot bolt on the lower arm. does the bolt come out of the center sleeve (pipe)? it looks like there is rubber between the pivot bolt and outter sleeve (pipe) between the 2 bushings. i don't want to force it out and destroy something that can't be repaired. anyone know if this should come apart?

I'm not a 100% sure what your are referring to, can you take a picture?