New Front A-Arm bushings 97 SE 4x4

architectdave · Sep 5th, 2006, 09:52 AM

Has anyone done this install? It looks pretty straight forward just wondering if the "keeper" on the end of the big bushing on the back of the arm needs to be removed or how that goes together.... Anyone done this replacement? BTW I'm using my original a-arms with the new urethane replacements.....

dvdswanson · Sep 5th, 2006, 03:21 PM

I havent done it, but would suggest using anti-sieze compound on the bushings so they dont squeak.

architectdave · Sep 11th, 2006, 02:32 PM

FYI I answered my own question on this.
I jacked the front up and removed the wheels.
I them unbolted the rear the front and the ball joint bolts on the a-arm.
I removed the entire arm and used a straight razor blade to cut the rear bushing off then i used my air chisel to chisel out the front one - took about 10 minutes of messing around with it.
I used a die grinder to clean up the arm.
I painted the arms flat black since i had some on the shelf.
The next morning I lubed it all up and installed the new parts badabing all done and the front is noticably tighter.....

I recomend this for any older path. All my fronts were crushed and gave little support to the lower a-arms....She isnt such a pig turning hard corners now....

I will also be replacing my steering rack bushings as I noticed they were old and cracked as well. Any have a source for these in urethane?