End Link Bushing Sleeve Removal

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Jun 20, 2010 | 11:54 PM

primalurges

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End Link Bushing Sleeve Removal

My lower A arm has an aftermarket bushing that is inside a sleeve that has been inserted in the A arm. How can this sleeve be removed without damaging the A arm? 96 LT4

Thanks

Jun 21, 2010 | 11:29 AM

92ragtop

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If it still has the sleeve, it's original. Aftemarket poly bushings don't use that sleeve, which is why you have to remove it. It's a PITA to get out. You have to VERY carefully hacksaw almost through the sleeve material. Then, use a screwdriver and hammer near the cut line to deform the sleeve inward. Once that's done, you can tap/pull it out fairly easily.

Jun 21, 2010 | 02:44 PM

M. Schumacher

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That's the ticket, only I prefer to use a small chisel.

Jun 21, 2010 | 09:56 PM

primalurges

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Ragtop & Schumaker thanks for the quick reply, getting started removing the sleeves tonight.

I had one more thing that hopefully you can help me with, does the offset hole in sway bar frame bushing face the front of the car or the engine? The one i removed had the hole closer to the engine but had an arrow indicating that the hole should face the front. The new bushings dont indicate orientation. If any of you guys can take a look at your bushing and advise it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

Jun 22, 2010 | 01:51 AM

mtwoolford

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From: folsom california

haven't removed that particular bushing, but all I have been removed easily and quickly.

use a propane torch, heat (not very hot) until rubber starts to liguidize, smoke. pop the bushing with a hammer and drift. mission accomplished

Jun 22, 2010 | 11:38 PM

primalurges

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mtwoolford

Got through those yesterday and they were quite a bit of work. Hey would really appreciate it if you could tell me what the proper orientation for the the sway bar frame bushing is? There are the two capital D shaped bushings that have a hole going through it. The hole through which the sway bar goes through is not dead center, what I;m trying to figure out is if the bushings should be mounted with the hole facing the front of the car or facing the engine? The ones i removed had the hole closest to the engine but had an arrow that said front which was pointing away from the engine. I would greatly appreciate it if you could look at yours and tell me how its mounted. Thanks

Jun 24, 2010 | 11:31 AM

92ragtop

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Quote:

Originally Posted by primalurges

I called Energy with the same question when I did mine. It appears that it really doesn't make a difference, as long as both bushings are done the same way.

Jun 26, 2010 | 12:52 AM

primalurges

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 92ragtop

I called Energy with the same question when I did mine. It appears that it really doesn't make a difference, as long as both bushings are done the same way.

Finisihed the job. Called Energy and they told me it would only mount in one direction. When I asked about the arrows that say front in the 30MM bushings they referred me to the service manual which I unfortunatelly dont own.

I ultimately decided to install in the position that puts the bar farther to the front and what a difference it made. My bar is now no where near the mounting bracket as was the case when they were mounted the other way around and my front end now rides about an inch and a half higher than it was previously. Im not sure how the install changed the suspension geometry so much a buddy had mentioned to me when he saw the car the first time that he thought the rear end looked high, I thought the front end looked lowered, it is now even, my squeaks are gone, and the car handles like its on rails.