• Welcome to the new NAXJA Forum! If your password does not work, please use "Forgot your password?" link on the log-in page. Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] if we can provide any assistance.

Upper and Lower Control arms.

Z

Zuul99

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Scottsdale, AZ
My rig was in the shop getting some work done (I would have done it myself but lack the proper tools and skill). And they told me that the bushings in my control arms were shot and need to be replaced. They said it would cost $996! I looked online and quadratec has the bushings for $68. From observation, it does not seem that hard just a wrench. So is the job really as easy as I think or am i missing something and a shop should handle it.
 
Last edited:
blenny said:
You could buy aftermarket adjustable control arms for half that.....
Click to expand...

^^^This...

Nearly a grand for arm bushing replacements is beyond highway robbery.

Hell you can buy all new OEM arms for less than that.

With that...that's what they "told" you. Doesn't mean your bushing are really even all that bad.

Can't count the number of times I've heard of people going in and some bushings somewhere on the vehicle, no matter how new...are shot :rolleyes:
 
You should find an more honest repair shop to work on your vehicles, and then you should buy a Factory Service Manual, and some basic tools.
 
Find a new shop. It shouldn't take more than 2 hours to change arms. A full set of stock arms, Moog brand, can be had for 111.16 on rockauto. It would be more cost effective just to replace the whole arm.
 
Ive bought multiple built XJs for under or around 1000$.. to pay that much for control arm bushings actually offends me. that shop really pisses me off. I am offended just hearing that.


I think quadratech or rock auto has brand new uppers for like under 30$ each, and lowers for around the same.Even then you could get a set of aftermarket UCAS and LCAS for a few hundered bucks, or used on craigslist for next to nothing.

so easy to swap the arms its crazy they want 1000$ to replace bushings. please get your jeep out of there immediately. You only need basic tools to do the arms, some PB blaster, some heat (old rusty UCA bolts can be PIA)

-jonathan
 
Post up in your local chapter, sure there are members that have what you need/can help you for less.
 
I hope you whoop-ass better than you wrench!










Do you have the word "welcome" tattoed to your forehead?
 
im old and hate lying on my back wrenching, but i did this job in a couple of hours with basic hand tools, only thing i couldn't ( didnt want to) was the upper bush on the axle housing, i paid a jeep specialist to do it, cost me a couple of hundred for labour and an alignment check, i live in Australia but got replacement control arms from Quadratec.

this is a simple job, probably as hard as rotating tyres
 
Zuul99 said:
My rig was in the shop getting some work done (I would have done it myself but lack the proper tools and skill). And they told me that the bushings in my control arms were shot and need to be replaced. They said it would cost $996! I looked online and quadratec has the bushings for $68. From observation, it does not seem that hard just a wrench. So is the job really as easy as I think or am i missing something and a shop should handle it.
Click to expand...

You can get a lift kit for less than that and it will come with new arms.
 
Zuul99 said:
Even in a rust free AZ car
Click to expand...
Yes.

It's absolutely not worth risking it. PB Blaster the hell out of any bolts you're going to remove, and if you find yourself fighting increasing resistance as you loosen them, work them back and forth (CW/CCW) about 180° at a time. Rust that builds up on the exposed threads (typically inside the frame rails) can "clog" the nut as you loosen the bolt and lead to a wretched pain in the ass if you shear it.

If you're unable to get the bolts to budge with a moderate amount of torque, hit them with a torch (propane/butane is fine) for about a minute, then quench the threads with PB Blaster.

Be patient, and work it.
 
I finally got around to ordering the parts. DayStar poly bushings to be exact. I still have yet to do the project (Working 6 days week leaves very little free time) and I hear of a this metal sleeve that is inside the axle. Am I missing something or do in not need to worry about it?
 
I think you mean the bushing that is on the axle? Yeah, they are kinda tricky...

We did my ball joints and bushings on the same day...so we made a tool to press them out using a 12" piece of thread stock, some large washers and one of the adapters from the ball joint press.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

X
Drop Brackets to fix bent frame mounts?
2
Replies
31
Views
265
Bent
Bent
Z
3.5” lift - longer lower control arms or drop brackets?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Zojirushi
Z
R
Is 2wd upper control arm mount(on axle)the same on both sides?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Rallyrs
R
H
JK parking brake cable on XJ JK rear axle
Replies
5
Views
2K
XJEEPER
XJEEPER
E
Steering Redo.... Questions before I dive in.
2
Replies
28
Views
996
RCP Phx
R
Back
Top