Front end bushing help

[goingballistic]

I purchased new bushings for the front end, upper and lower A-Arms.
Question, for obvious reasons the removal is not as straightforward as one would assume, if you are doing the top (or bottom for that matter) what happens when the bolts are removed? Does the car drop in other words do certain parts have to be jacked prior to releasing the bolts. I'm leery to pound them out and then have something settle and not be able to replace the bushings or bolts.

Any suggestions, I'm trying to get this done before I drop in my new motor.

Thanks.

 

[gmjunkie]

Yes there are things that WILL BITE YOU!! If you have not done this or watched it Done Don't do it your self, A Coil Spring jumping out of there Can KILL YOU!! Not to mention Break windows and Put BIG Dent's in cars around the Shop!!

 

[TJay]

You bet, first un-hook your tie rod so you can swing your rotor further. Next get a spring compressor and compress the spring for removal, remove the brake line. I use a engine hoist and attach a sling to the brake rotor housing to hold and support it while I undo the A arms. I can than use the lift to lift out the assy. in one piece, including rotor/disc brake assy. (doing top & bottom bushings). When it's on the floor you have a clear work area. Just reverse the above to re-assemble I'm sure there are many different ways, but this works best for me. While you have it on the floor, you can paint the assy, also... good luck.

 

[Jack]

I purchased new bushings for the front end, upper and lower A-Arms.Any suggestions, I'm trying to get this done before I drop in my new motor.Thanks.

Are new bushings' material OE-type RUBBER ... or POLYURETHANE? Once you get the arms out ... the approach to replace bushings themselves differs greatly between the two materials. I have tips for poly ... someone else can offer help w/ rubber.
JACK:gap

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Paul,

If you decide not to do it yourself, Dave Cooley at Lakeside Alignment can do them for you after you get it rolling again for a few hundred bucks.
He did mine, and he's on Dewey Ave. just south of Ridge Rd. by the Kodak steam pipes.

 

[GTR1999]

First you have to get them out safely. The upper can be replaced without removing th espring but the lower supports the frame. Most spring compressor don;t work well in these cars. You can support the lower arm with a jack to remove it but read up on it. I've done it that way and then made a tool out of acme threaded rod and steel plate to compress the spring through the shock tower. This is a safe method to remove. You need to have a jack under the lower arm when breaking them loose at the ball joints. Read up on this job very carefully.
To remove the bushings I use a hole saw to cut the rubber then you can use a air chisel to dirve out the bushing while hold the center shaft. If you press them out you're going to need a support made up so you don't collapse the arm and bend them.

 

[goingballistic]

Thanks gents, I appreciate all the input you have. I think I'll take the advice and leave it to a pro. after I drop the motor back in.

WISHYOUWEREHERE........thanks I'll check them out when I've got it back on the road. Just finished the engine compartment over the weekend, just have to schedule the dyno, test run and break in and then drop it back in the car. I'll post some pics of the motor.

Cheers and thanks again.