A frame bushings question

[joecool]

I just finished a 4/6 kit on my 98 short 2wd. When I took it in to get it aligned they told me they couldn't get the upper a frame adjusters to move.
I replaced the ball joints but didn't do the bushings.
I put penetrant on them every day for 9 days but still no luck. It looks like maybe a sawsall and go thru the bushings and bolts and then press the pieces out after I get the a frame out. Is there an easier way?
Any tips at all,I will make sure there is anti -sleaze on them when they go back in.
Thanks

[Tx Firefighter]

You've got to punch the knockouts out in order for them to move.

Unbolt the upper arms and look at the holes in the frame where the bolts were. You'll see the knockouts. Knock them out and reinstall your control arms. Now they will move.

I never took any pictures when I removed any so I found pictures using Google.

Here is the hole with the punch outs still in place.



Here is the same hole with them removed.



And find another alignment guy if he didn't know that. That's basic stuff for any competent front end guy. Anyone who was stymied by this hasn't paid his dues enough yet to be doing your alignment.

[Cape Codder]

If you are going to a discount tire store for alignments you are wasting your time and money. I am fortunate that we have an alignment guy in town that just does front end work and alignments. He has no employees and does all the work himself. A lot of the cheaper shops have a saying; set the toe and let her go.

[joecool]

My guy is very experienced, he said the 98s didn't have the knockouts they stopped using them years before. I will try to pull out the bolts but think they are rusted in the bushings.

[Tx Firefighter]

Your guy is thinking of installing the eccentric kits, which did stop many years prior to your truck.

But, as far as the knockouts, I can speak from experience the later trucks had them. This is my own truck that I lowered when it was new in 1997.

[joecool]

Boy do I feel stupid, I just pulled a front bolt out and the knockouts are right there. Just shows the experts sometimes are not, Thanks guys,looks like I know what needs done now.

[Tx Firefighter]

Glad to hear you're getting it straightened out. Once you get the knock outs removed it will be able to align no problem.

Maybe still cast a wary eye at your alignment guy. He really should have known that was the problem. If he missed that basic fact, he might not be as sharp as he lets on.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by joecool

. Just shows the experts sometimes are not,

Just remember when dealing with mechanics: They have seen alot, but they've only seen what they've seen. On a place like this, you have what thousands have seen. Tends to be a better overall picture.

[joecool]

The knockouts came out easy, I took it to another shop and got it aligned. This shop told me he normally gets $75 a side to do the knockouts, glad I did them myself. thanks everybody