Hey Gang,

I am in the process of replacing the bushings in my 1981 with the Energy Suspension poly bushings.

I have completely removed the bushings and the metal sleeves for both upper and lower (NIGHTMARE), removed the original ball joints (also a bit of a nightmare), cleaned and painted the control arms and started reassembling the new sleeves and bushings.

I dont have a press, so I was just making due with what I have.

Question number one is how precise is the distance between the two holes for the lower control arm? Looks as if mine were worked on before, and a little beat up at the bushing sleeve area.

I can see that the spacing is not the same between these holes from one side to the other, and not exactly the same as the other side (hope this is making sense...pics will help I hope, but the pics are not showing this as well as I would like).

I just want to better understand the consequence of these being a little out of spec. Guessing the last guy didnt use a spacer to keep them from moving, but forced them in there. I did use a spacer, but its not exact, however I was able to get the sleeves in and the control arm reassembled.

Can anyone chime in on what the issue is or could be if those sections are a little off?

 

Which leads me to question two. I noticed when I was reassembling the drivers side lower control arm that the spacing was more spread out on one side than the other, so I tried to spread it out on the side that was tighter.

Im not sure if that caused this small crack or if it was already there.

Question is, how big of a deal is that small crack? What should be done about this? Does this need to be repaired, and if so, whats the best way to go about fixing it.

 

few more pics

 

a crack in that area can't be a good thing, you could drill a hole where the crack ends and have it welded up. i would vote for a replacement . rebuilt arms aren't that bad, call VBS.