Starting my front end rebuild - Homemade tools?

[MrJLR]

I just ordered all my parts - all Moog from Summit....$440.47 - woohoo!

I did get the offset bushings.
I did order the ball joint tool...

But, as for removing and installing upper and lower control arm bushings, I'd like to see some pictures/descriptions of what other members have made for homemade presses!

I'm thinking some all-thread, nuts, big washers, and piping.
I'm sure not going to pay a shop with some pimple faced kid who will bend my control arms all up!

I do have access to a press at work, but I'd like to make something and do it at home if possible

So.......let's see what you guys have made!

Jeff

:coffee2:

 

[halifaxhops]

That is basically the way the tool is made

 

[MrJLR]

That is basically the way the tool is made

I kinda figured that......just wanted to see some pics to "get my head around it"....!

My engine is out right now and I figured this is a great time to do this!

Jeff


:burnout:

 

[halifaxhops]

Know what check the stores like auto zone and the loaner tools. I know I have gotten a few over the years from them of something I did not want to buy and it is free!

 

[MrJLR]

Know what check the stores like auto zone and the loaner tools. I know I have gotten a few over the years from them of something I did not want to buy and it is free!

That's not a bad idea!

 

[MrJLR]

Ya know what.....I should have just done a Google search first.....I found TONS about it....
Like this
http://www.aftermarketsuspensionparts.com/blog/how-to-install-a-bushing-without-a-press/

 

[halifaxhops]

In is the easy part always had problems getting them out.

 

[MrJLR]

In is the easy part always had problems getting them out.

Yes.....that IS the other issue...!
I guess it'll be a version of the homemade installing press (in reverse so to speak) and HEAT....but not too much!

Believe it of not, I'm REALLY looking forward to this....and I'll do this all day long over working on my wiring! LOL


Jeff

:burnout:

 

[halifaxhops]

To me the easiest thing I have done is blow the rubber out then chisle the metal shell out. Sounds hard but not to bad really.

 

[MrJLR]

To me the easiest thing I have done is blow the rubber out then chisle the metal shell out. Sounds hard but not to bad really.

I don't have an air chisel.....I guess I could pick up a HF cheapy if I had to....

 

[halifaxhops]

A regular one start trying to get the flange going some times they come right out. The air chisle vibrates a bit to much for me. Also try to clean the 40 years of crud off the back and blast it with penetrating oil. 2 out of 5 come out usually easy.

 

[mguner]

If you have a wire welder and a press the easiest way to get the LCA bushings out is to weld a washer on the front flange then use a press with a 9/16 deep impact socket and short extension to press the sleeve and washer out.

 

[67Dart273]

If you search around the tools threads there is a number of good suggestions there. I made my own using pipe fittings

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/forumdisplay.php?f=104

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showpost.php?p=1970076957&postcount=163

 

[75slant6]

I did the all thread, pipe, washer setup to get my UCA bushings out and one word of advice, use grade 8 stuff, otherwise you start cross threading under pressure

 

[vitamindart]

I used some cheapo 5/8" ? all thread. just fit inside of the bushing hole for the uppers.
did throw a little grease on the threads. always ran the poly lower bushings so I just torched the rubber out of the lower sleeve and ran a wire wheel in the inside of the old bushing housing.