I am replacing the A-arm bushings first and it has been a pain in the ***. I decided to replace the metal sleaves in the a-arm that the bushings go in on the drivers side. So I cut the old ones out and tried to put the new ones in. It took for every to get the new sleaves in place correctly because the front bushing was made just a hair to big. Then I decided to use the originals on the passagner side, but when I went to put the the bushings in place they did fit correctly. This makes total sence after having so many problems on the first side. The rear bushing (bigger of the two) is on small side and the front bushing won't fit. What do you guys suggest? The directions really don't say anything about the sleaves needing to be replace. I worries me that the old sleave is a shad to be for the new bushing. I would think this would wear out the new bushing, so as mush as I am going to hate it I am leaning toward replacing the sleaves on the passager side too.

 

When I replaced the ft. a arm bushings with the poly enegry suspen. ones I repleaced the sleeves with the new ones. I put the new poly. bushings into the freezer. They shrink when very cold. Then I greased the sleeves with the supplied lude. When I took the bushings out of the freezer they slid right in while still cold. I did one at a time so bushings would not have a chance to warm up and expand before installing them.

 

Thats a great tip right there. When I've had to replace bushings I usually remove whatever part is is and take it to a shop with a press. But never heard of the freezer trick, might give it a try next time!!! Thanks!

 

That is a great tip. Did you put the sleaves in yourself? I did and it was a big pain. I don't think I will use them if this works. I did on the drives side and I had to use a clamp and a hammer.

 

I agree with crazyhawaiian.....

I actually just got both my a-arms done today. I dropped them off at my local shop with a press. They took out the old bushings, ball joints, and installed the new bushings and ball joints for $40. Considering I spent HOURS on the rear bushings for the lower control arms, $40 was totally worth it.

 

I don't think you can easily instal the bushings by had/hammer method. The metal sleve needs to be coerced with a press.... This is how I ended up doing it after an hour of wasted time with a rubber malat
I like the freezer method too - I will try this the next time.
-Andrew

 

I also took my parts to a shop and paid them to install all the Energy Suspension bushings in everything I was doing. Well worth the money in my opinion..

 

I used the freezer trick, I had them in there for a week. It made it a little easier but not too much. I just beat them in with a hammer. You should take the bushing and inner sleeve out so they don't get beat up. and just hammer the outer sleeve in.
BTW the easiest way that I have found to remove the old ones is with an air hammer.

 

I used the ball joint separator tool from autozone. I used some sockets as braces so I did not bend the control arms. It worked perfect. Quick and painless. Just another option for those with or access to an impact gun.