Replace Bushings vs Whole Control Arm

[Jlaughtr]

I'm at a point with my 2006 Z-71 NBS that most of the bushing in the front UCAs and LCAs all need replaced. My truck has 192k miles on it. I've owned it since 60k and I have never replaced any of the bushings or CAs.

Opinions on replacing just the bushings vs going ahead and replacing the CAs.

I assume labor would almost be the same since removal of the CAs is required to put all the bushings in.

Thoughts?

 

[Doubeleive]

unless you have the right kind of press to do it all then it's probably easier to just replace the whole unit and ball joints all in one shot, there are some pretty economical kits sold on ebay that have everything.

 

[Jlaughtr]

Ended up replacing the upper control arms and all control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and the sway bar bushings.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Ended up replacing the upper control arms and all control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and the sway bar bushings.

Did you press any CA arm bushings? I got a great price from black bear on a full set of red energy suspension bushings. Kind of dreading what I might run into. Would the HF 20 ton press work, does anybody think? Or should I take them in to somebody to do it?

 

[Jlaughtr]

Did you press any CA arm bushings? I got a great price from black bear on a full set of red energy suspension bushings. Kind of dreading what I might run into. Would the HF 20 ton press work, does anybody think? Or should I take them in to somebody to do it?

In all seriousness, I dropped it off before going out of town for St. Patricks Day. I got a great price for all of it because it was a place we take alot of our work vehicles so it was only $45/hr labor. I have no clue on what kind of press they used, but I can call and ask if yours work if no one else chimes in

 

[swathdiver]

20-ton should be plenty.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

20-ton should be plenty.

That's what I thought, too. I'm always happier spending $150 on a tool and having it rather than a shop....

 

[swathdiver]

Same here, even if it kills me!

 

[HACK BLOCK]

Ended up replacing the upper control arms and all control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and the sway bar bushings.

im doing this same job this week. i got the control arms for $45 each on rockauto so buying just the ball joint and paying to have it pressed in didnt make sense. found a shop that doing the labor for $300 and that includes the wheel alignment

 

[bottomline2000]

im doing this same job this week. i got the control arms for $45 each on rockauto so buying just the ball joint and paying to have it pressed in didnt make sense. found a shop that doing the labor for $300 and that includes the wheel alignment

I rigged up a press from well see pic.. necessity is the mother of invention lol..it was a PITA but I got it done without a press..the UCA are a no brainer since they are cheap..I recommend paying someone to press the lowers in..

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