How to get bushings and sleeve into front control arms...

[Booksix]

How to get bushings and sleeves into front control arms...

I've searched everywhere trying to find tips on getting bushings and new sleeves into controls arms and found nothing. So, I've got a set of stock, 89 mustang a-arms... I removed the old rubber bushings and sleeves and need to get my new bushings and sleeves in. Can anyone give me any tips?

 

[Blown331LX]

I've done this a few different times and ways in the past. The best way of doing this is to get a ball joint tool press. You can borrow a nice one from Advance Auto through their loaner program. Its almost impossible to do this with out a press and nice impact gun. You will NEED to lubricate the outer metal shank with a small amount of grease and make sure when your pressing them in that they go in straight. If NOT they will bind up and pinch the control arm closed, and this sucks it happened to me when I wasn't being careful. It can be a pain in the ass but just take your time setting the press up. You will have to figure out which one to install first due to the length and configuration of the press.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

I had a local auto parts store do mine this past Saturday. 10 dollars per press....that is 60 bucks for a pair....they did them for 50 bucks though. I had the best ball joints and bushings they had put in.

They are Moogs and the total for everything was $235.40 without tax...(tax exepmt from my business) Then I found out you can get BRAND NEW A-ARMS FROM www.mustangsunlimited.com FOR ONLY $189.99!!!!!!!!!
www.50resto.com wants $299.99 for the same set!!

Well, I didn't do my homework, I just went out and had them do it, and now I am out of about 45 dollars.

 

[Booksix]

Yeah, I have a balljoint press here... it's from autozone. The problem is the jaw isn't big enough to fit the receiving cup and BOTH "cones." So I tried replacing the cone on the pushing side with a big cresent wrench (the biggest hunk of metal I had that wouldn't let the press slip off) and started cranking. I got about half way through and the arm started collapsing a bit... everything was straight so i don't know how to go any further without crushing the thing...

oh, and all the local shops here wanted $85 or more to do the 4 bushings...

 

[Booksix]

actually, let me rephrase:

I heard some little cracking/settling sounds and stopped. I assumed I was jacking up the arms but maybe this was just the sound of the bushing going in... also, I'm going slow cause I don't have an impact...

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Yeah, I have a balljoint press here... it's from autozone. The problem is the jaw isn't big enough to fit the receiving cup and BOTH "cones." So I tried replacing the cone on the pushing side with a big cresent wrench (the biggest hunk of metal I had that wouldn't let the press slip off) and started cranking. I got about half way through and the arm started collapsing a bit... everything was straight so i don't know how to go any further without crushing the thing...

oh, and all the local shops here wanted $85 or more to do the 4 bushings...

I hate Autozone by me...all the workers there are LAZY!!! They all tell me that I have to wait 3 days for parts...if they have to order them, all the women are always smoking in the entrance...(in between the two doors) They always have conversation with coworkers while I am waiting in line with nobody in front of me. They once tested a used alternator I had. They told me it was no good...I put it on my car, and for 2 years it is still working fine!!! They just wanted to sell me a new one for 197 dollars!!!

I go to local "mom and pop" auto stores....this one I have been using...they get EVERYTHING I need the same day if they don't stock it..but they stock 99% of things that I have bought....do you have any "low key" shops by you??

 

[Booksix]

No, I don't really think so. Just a lot of chains...

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Ah man...that sucks. Good luck getting them changed. Too bad they won't do it for less.

 

[Booksix]

Ok, got it... the rear ones are a ******... Now my problem is, the very first one I did (the one that doesn't go all the way in, but rather needs to be flush on the inside) is in about 1/32" - 1/16" to much! Is this acceptable?