[poker]

Hi folks,

I might be getting a set of Man-E-Fre LCAs. They are out of bushings and I'm considering using my stock bushing. I've heard the poly bushings from MAF squeak or reduce articulation (that's what I've read).

Does anyone have tips regarding installation? Is it going to be impossible to take out the old bushings from the stock rear LCA?

Any help and/or leads to how-to threads would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[CADavebert]

Interesting. I got the square ones and the armor from All-Pro, and they had their own bushings. They squeak, but I then just tighten things up, and it seems ok for 1K miles or so, or a nice trail. ;D

The only trouble I had installing was first with getting the old ones off. I finally realized I had to lift the car, by the frame in front of the rear wheel. Once that was done, it easily lined up. When I went to the next side I expected it to take about 5 minutes. Then, I saw how mangled my front mounting bracket was. (oh how I love gold mountain). Trying to get the LCA armor piece on took some persuasion (aka, beating, prying, and use of a jack to push it up and on) but I finally got it all together.

So, no help on the bushings, sorry. I have my take-off's still if you find you need something extra (IE - the bushing 'breaks' on the way out). I want to keep at least one for a trail spare, but the other is available if you need it.

 

[poker]

Thanks Dave.

Yeah, I'm worried about destroying the stock bushings as I remove them.

I heard the side next to the gas tank had limited space. Will my impact wrench fit in there?

I also read that if the axle shifts, it's b!tch to get back into position....true?

 

[FunJunkie]

Ok heres how to get the bushings out, bring the LCA to home depot, go to the plumbing department. find a diameter of pipe that just barely smaller than the outer edge of the bushing and see if they have a cut scrap laying around. I got one for free. at very worst you might spend a buck or 2 buying a 4 inch peice. smooth the edge with a grinder or sandpaper. then set the pipe on the bushing and tap it out with a BFH Big freakin hammer.

As for removing or installing the LCA's there are 2 ways. remove the bolt from the rear panhard bar and jack the truck up on one side remove or swap it out. tourque the bolts with RED threadlocker, lower it and do the other side. The way I have done it many times is jack up one side, remove the rear wheel and wrap a heavy ratchet strap around the axle making sure to go under the brake lines and depending on the side or the direction it needs to go to line the hole up loosely I will attach the other end to my slider or rear bumper shackle. tighten up the strap and buzz the bolt out with an impact gun. Plenty of room and way sompler than it sounds.

 

[FunJunkie]

Thanks Dave.

Yeah, I'm worried about destroying the stock bushings as I remove them. Not a big deal at all, I got some more if you do score one on accident

I heard the side next to the gas tank had limited space. Will my impact wrench fit in there? on the inside it has limited space but the nut is self binding and you actually turn the bolt from the outer side of the truck. if anything you may need an open end wrench on the inside if the nut does slip.

I also read that if the axle shifts, it's b!tch to get back into position....true? Not if you do the ratchet strap trick before you remove the bolt, it will keep the axle in place and you can even give it another click if need be to line er up


Lemme know if you got any issues or need furthur explanation. I must have done this 10 times at least already. first one is mentally the hardest but thats all.

 

[poker]

I appreciate the help guys. I wasn't able to go to MAF Friday. I'll try to go this week.

Keep on modding

 

[jrock]

Thanks Dave.

Yeah, I'm worried about destroying the stock bushings as I remove them.

I heard the side next to the gas tank had limited space. Will my impact wrench fit in there?

I also read that if the axle shifts, it's b!tch to get back into position....true?

I installed my links last night, I didn't feel the need to jack the car up, if you are on even surface it is not load bearing. After loosening the nut the link 'dropped' out from it's perch and I popped in the new ones. Make sure the car is not being 'held' by the ebrake, put some choks under the front tires.