Trailing arm outer bushing removal question?

[MARINE1991]

what did you replace it with??

[ssmike]

Originally Posted by MARINE1991

what did you replace it with??

This: http://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=p...&productid=460

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by DoubleARS

Have you done one yet? Sure like to see a video?

I'll be at ARD in Houston tomorrow and we'll shoot a video

[carfansince73]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

we take this stuff as common knowledge. The next time I am at an install we'll take some pics or vids.

Coming from a suspension specialist, I can imagine.

Video would be even better. I like to do things myself, but I just like knowing what I'm up against so I don't get past the point of no return and end up messing something up costing me more.

[MileMAN402]

Instead of starting a new thread and since a search turned up fruitless....

Did you replace your diff bushings and would a two prong puller work on them?

[ssmike]

Originally Posted by MileMAN402

Instead of starting a new thread and since a search turned up fruitless....

Did you replace your diff bushings and would a two prong puller work on them?

No I didn't change the did bushings. Maybe Pete can answer your question!

[MileMAN402]

I'm hoping he might pop in here. I was also wondering if I could get the cradle bushings out with a hydraulic puller like this...? Any thoughts?

[PfadtRacing]

You might be able to get the Subframe Bushings out with that tool. In our experience since the subframe bushings are much larger than the diff bushings they're easier to get out with a sawzall.

Cut pie shaped wedges into the bushing material, then collapse the bushing onto it's self and pull it out!

[MileMAN402]

Originally Posted by PfadtRacing

You might be able to get the Subframe Bushings out with that tool. In our experience since the subframe bushings are much larger than the diff bushings they're easier to get out with a sawzall.

Cut pie shaped wedges into the bushing material, then collapse the bushing onto it's self and pull it out!

Thanks for the response. How hard is it to do full bushing replacements with only lowering the cradle and not fully removing it? I can't seem to get a clear answer on this, most people who keep the cradle in are only doing the inserts.

[BMR guy]

Originally Posted by MileMAN402

Thanks for the response. How hard is it to do full bushing replacements with only lowering the cradle and not fully removing it? I can't seem to get a clear answer on this, most people who keep the cradle in are only doing the inserts.

People do it but it's kind of a 50/50 mix as to which way is easier. While there is much more labor involved in removing the entire cradle, laying on your back under the cradle sawing through 4 bushings isn't really much fun either. A 3-jaw puller just won't work for this application unfortunately. The outer sleeve of the OE bushings is plastic so trying to push or pull the bushing just distorts it, making it even more difficult to remove.

There is really only one option for the home installer that works all of the time. Force the sawzall blade through the voids in the rubber then saw outward until you cut through the outer sleeve. If this is done twice per bushing you can then knock the bushing out with a hammer.

If the cradle is removed I have also been able to cut off the exposed part of the bushing on top flush with the cradle then drive the bushing out of the cradle. This requires more hammer effort and larger swings which wouldn't be possible with the cradle still in the car. Please take note that you have to cut off the exposed section on top first. Attempting to drive it out without removing the exposed section will mushroom that part of the bushing, making it impossible to knock it through the cradle.

Neither is a fun process unfortunately but is definitely worth it in the end.

[PfadtRacing]

Originally Posted by MileMAN402

Thanks for the response. How hard is it to do full bushing replacements with only lowering the cradle and not fully removing it? I can't seem to get a clear answer on this, most people who keep the cradle in are only doing the inserts.

We would definitely recommend fully removing the subframe, the whole process is a whole lot easier with a lift and proper tools... but we've talked to quite a few home installers that have done it on their own with jackstands and hand tools.

As far as removal goes, it's pretty much exactly what BMR said. Cut out some inner material and bang them out.

Considering that it's a good amount of work to get the old bushings out we strongly suggest you make it worth your while and do it right the first time with a proper Solid Subframe Mount.

[MileMAN402]

I did order solid subframe bushings, diff bushings, and trailing arms. It was a package deal from a member here and I got a good price. The one thing the package didn't include was outer trailing arm bushings...how much do these add? Do I need to go back and order those too?

I have access to a lift and tools but I figured I might be able lower the cradle enough to do the replacement without going through the trouble of removing the calipers, etc. that comes with full removal of the subframe.

I'm also going to take tips from PQ's video and use a hole cutter, bolt, and long washer to create a makeshift bushing removal tool to use on the diff bushings.

[BMR guy]

Originally Posted by MileMAN402

I did order solid subframe bushings, diff bushings, and trailing arms. It was a package deal from a member here and I got a good price. The one thing the package didn't include was outer trailing arm bushings...how much do these add? Do I need to go back and order those too?

I have access to a lift and tools but I figured I might be able lower the cradle enough to do the replacement without going through the trouble of removing the calipers, etc. that comes with full removal of the subframe.

I'm also going to take tips from PQ's video and use a hole cutter, bolt, and long washer to create a makeshift bushing removal tool to use on the diff bushings.

Definitely replace the outer trailing arm bushings. This is a very easy and economical mod that will go a long way towards controlling wheelhop.

As for dropping the cradle, you can easily leave the lines connected to your calipers, remove the (2) caliper bolts and let them hang in place without disconnecting the brake lines. It is definitiely a pia but I really think it's much easier with the cradle out of the car.

PQ's video is dead on. If you don't have the Cincy tool to remove the diff bushings, a hole saw will do it. Again, it is not a fun job and you will get tired of smelling burning rubber but it works.

[Fraxum]

Is an alignment required for this?