Got the car Re-aligned and found a problem

[JDwhite98gt]

So I have beeen having some steering issues lately and thought that maybe my alignment wasnt right (from Firestone aligned to MM's specs). I told the Tech my problems and rebalanced my new tires, checked out the the front end suspension and re-aligned the car. Well, what he found was that in the front control arms, the bushing closest to the front of the car are starting to "push-out". My question is when I replace I'm going to go with OEM rubber, no urethane, I want to keep my like OEM feel of the car and stop upgrading which has only made my car ride worse.....so how can a guy at home change these out? Do I have to remove the whole Aarm? Any writeups?

 

[Javi]

I just helped my bud to do his balljoints which is pretty much the same, as we had to take the arm off to put in the ball joint.
we did it all in about 2 -4 hrs, but we were going slow.

Is not hard, as long as you have the some tools, you can knock it out.
I would help if you were closer, i love working on the suspension :grin:

 

[JDwhite98gt]

Well dont they have to be pressed in? Can they be pressed in with a simple C-clamp? I have plenty of tools, I'm sure if I could yank my engine and change a clutch in my garage I could do the bushings. The work involved doesnt scare me one bit just worried about downtime being this is my daily and if I would have to take off the CA's then brig them to a shop to have the bushings pressed in. Javi, did you guys have to unbolt the steering rack to get the CA's out?

 

[Javi]

yes, you have to unblot the steering rack..


http://www.allfordmustangs.com/Detailed/52.shtml


I know ive seen a write-up somewhere i just cant remember where

 

[NXcoupe]

bushings are a pain in the a*s. Getting them in and out is hard as hell. You need a tool to remove them and put them in, which I believe MM might actually sell, if not them someone does. Ball joints do not require the a arm to be removed, although it doesn't hurt. I bought a tool set that advance auto also rents out for free. I just wanted my own. I don't even take the spring or sway bar link, or anything but the brakes and balljoint loose, can do them in half hour a side usually.
Bushing tho, it is easier to buy another set of lowers, replace the balljoints and bushings, then just swap the c/a's out. Quick and easy that way. Lots of stock stuff like that going to the crusher. I might even have a set depending on the year.

 

[JDwhite98gt]

Well I have a 98 and balljoints are good with no play. Balljoints are cake with the correct tools, I agree.

 

[JDwhite98gt]

That link is great javi, thanks, but it makes it sound way to easy lol.

 

[vermilion]

i need to do my ball joints. the rubber boots are wrecked.

 

[blackpony]

just buy a set of 03-04 cobra arms and bolt them in...

 

[JDwhite98gt]

almost $300 dollars with barely any gain in performance v.s. $60 for parts and tool rental + a bit of my time.

 

[det_riot]

I need to know JDWhite, who is that in your avatar??

 

[JDwhite98gt]

I dont know i think I stole it from someone over on SVTP. Wouldnt you just love to take a nice bite outta that? lol

 

[det_riot]

damn, throw some bbq sauce on that behind and just go to town, nom nom nom

 

[JDwhite98gt]

lol like 2 nice christmas hams

 

[Javi]

I need to know JDWhite, who is that in your avatar??

Her name is Ines Sainz, proudly messican!
I'd hit it!

I've posted some pics of her here, back on topic now. Lol

 

[det_riot]

helllo gooogle =]

 

[Javi]

helllo gooogle =]

) Enjoy yerself! Lol

 

[96 VERT]

me and my dad replaced all the bushings on my car, you dont need any special tools, just some map gas and elbow grease