I'm having a problem with both upper and lower A-arm bushings (poly). When installing with C-clamp, or just beating in with a large hammer and socket, I seem to be bending the actual A-Arm metal around the bushing holes. I am using the lubricant provided, but just cant seem to get the bushings to go in all the way without the outside of the arm traveling with it. Any suggestions?

Isert a socket between the the edges of the arms. I have a couple pieces of steel pipe cut snug enough I have to tap them in.

I beieve the pipe I use for the upper arms in like 9" long. Keeps the arm from bending.

The easiest way I have found to replace these bushings is to rent/borrow a ball joint press from Autozone, etc. Use the best fitting press rings and anvils in the kit to first push out the old bushings and then to press the new ones in. This way there is no stress or force applied which can bend the A-arm itself. You can easily push the new poly liner out of the new bishings and press them in without the poly in the way. finger pressure will push them back into the steel sleeve after you press them in. This no cussing, no hammering method works easily every time. The only downer is that you don't get to use the Ford tool at all. It also seems that I always need to replace the lower ball joints anyway, so the press is there for 2 functions. OLDED

Thanks to both of you. I'll give it another shot tonight.

Also, it helps the install if you place the new bushings in the freezer overnight.

Considering that you can screw up the bushings, the A-arms and about two weekends: Why not take it to a shop? It's fairly cheap to have it done.

Originally posted by Olle:
Considering that you can screw up the bushings, the A-arms and about two weekends: Why not take it to a shop? It's fairly cheap to have it done. That would be $10 well spent. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

That's $10 that could otherwise be spent on beer.

The same could be said about almost anything to do with working on cars. Dig in, do it yourself, and learn from your mistakes. Asking for advice here before trying something new usually works for me graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Thanks to all. I would like to be able to say I did it myself, but after all the hassle, the other side is going to the shop....$25 bucks, though.

As said, freeze them first.

$25.00 will look like bargain if you bend or fracture/break your control arm by smacking it with a hammer.


Rocky