I am finally getting around to this project. I got the Energy Suspension 3.3142G kit and each bushing needs to be fit. They aren't even close, but that's pretty normal. I also found the stock rubber was still in fair shape in the middle of the bushings. Easy project so far. I just removed the top arms, they will be finished and reinstalled, to hold up the spindle/brakes etc so all that can stay on the car.

I used just my vice so far. Cut the large ring off the bushing then drill some holes. I used a vice grips on the sleeve and twisted the bushings out. To remove the other side, drill the holes, then use a 2" tube for support and a 1" socket to push, put it in the vice and they squeeze out no prob.

Put the bushings on a belt sander and grind the shoulders down so the tube sleeve will stick out. When installed there should be no load on the bushings, only on the tube sleeve part. I also added zerks, since I found the grease goes away fairly quick in the sway bars (track car).

I don't have a press so any tips to installing the new bushings with just a vice? On the VBP site there are directions saying not to use a press, but I've read threads with people using one for many years. If anyone wants pix I can upload some.

 

I'm right in the middle of this also. I just cut part of the rubber ring off also and then used a smaller socket on one side to push and a huge socket on the other side. Did it all in a vice with no prob.

One hint: Use Heat! I hit the aluminum with some heat, small torch and they came out like butter. No vice grips, no twisting, no drilling. just apply pressure, apply heat and turn the vice.

So the poly bushings you got are to large and you have to sand them down?

 

When installing the Energy Suspension poly ones all I had to do was chamfer the edge of the control arm to help guide the bushings in. I didn't have to do any sanding at all. I would think the kits are the same for C4s but I don't remember the part number.

 

Did you rotate the arm and check for binding? Most of the time there will be without fitting the bushings.

 

So you are grinding the ends of the poly bushings in the top arms so the alum. washers don't hit the poly bushing just the center steel bushing? How much clearance did you give it? I thought they did the bottom bushings also so they have clearance to the sides of frame pockets. I'll be doing that job soon too. Thanks

 

This is how I removed the rubber bushings from my control arms, but I needed a press for getting the Del-alums in. Im sure poly will be easier than the aluminum.



The bushing is being pushed out into the section of exhaust pipe. For pushing them in you wouldnt need that just put a plat of steel over the end.

 

What I use on the 1 piece bushing was a hose clamp to compress the OD down so it will go in the hole in the arm.

Kinda like a piston ring compressor tool in a way.

I also purchased a 12 Harbor freight press for $70.00 on sale.

I also found using a propane tourch helps getting the old rubber bushings out heat helps.

 

So what exactly did you grind to fit the bushings? thanks

 

Pick what part is easiest to clearance based on the tools you have. Here is a pic showing the situation:



I just held the bushing shoulders on the belt sander.

 

Good idea! I finished up the top arms without a press. I put a flat plate across the bushing and used two c-clamps to push it in. If one edge gets a little stuck use a blunt screw driver to start the shoulder in the arm.

The arms are rotating freely. For zerks I had to cut a slightly groove around the OD and ID to distribute the grease.

 

Theres been a couple time I could used a press Now I have one.

I been wanting to buy a welder one day I will the one I want can weld alumiun there not cheep thats why I dont have one yet.

 

I would also like a welder! I would need to add a better electrical circuit to the garage first though.

 

I think we should just get a exercise and put a generator on and tell the kids and wife to pedal if thick metal tell them pedal faster LOL.

 

Mentioning exercise would certainly create sparks!