[remy30006]

I'm getting ready to replace the front lower control arm bushings in my 64 a-body. Will a ball joint press clamp work? Do they need to be supported in the middle so they don't collapse and distort while pressing? If so what can a person use for that or does anyone have one that they are finished with and would want to sell?
Thank you!

[Old Goat 67]

When you have the control arms out, I find that a torch will do just fine to burn the rubber out of the bushings, and then you can knock the outer sleeves out of the control arms easily by collapsing them in the middle first.

Pressing the whole bushing out will work also, but somewhat harder.

Pressing them in will require a spreader to keep the control arm from being distorted on the last one to go in. A piece of angle iron will wok.

[Hokie1984]

I support them in the middle and use my shop press. I cut a piece of 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 pipe to the size of the gap. I then cut this nipple long ways using a cutoff wheel. Then I insert these pieces of pipe to keep the control arms from distorting.

[jarhead]

Here's another option - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50VUhlxlO-M

[bill ryder]

There you go. I made my puller pusher back in the day. No deformity. "Bill"!

[lugnutx2]

Originally Posted by jarhead

Here's another option - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50VUhlxlO-M

I'm ordering one, thanks for the link

[tempest1964]

Anyone have any experience with these Delrin bushings? I’ve heard mixed reviews about poly bushings. Squeaks, premature wear, etc. Don’t remember seeing much about these on this site.

[aceaceca]

I just put it on the ground and use a big hammer and a chisel. Even better if you have air is an air chisel. Same set up installing with a piece of pipe the right size.

[Geoff]

Remy,
You are quite correct that the CA needs to be supported when pressing out the bushes.

I use some old exh pipe. I cut it to the correct length to fit the gap. Then I cut a section out of the pipe so that it fits over the bush. Now ready for the press.

[geeteeohguy]

I've always buzzed them out with an air chisel with a flat wide bit. Buzz them back in with a piece of pipe or socket that'll fit. Putting them in the freezer for an hour before the install and anti-sieze helps, too.

[aceaceca]

Just listen to we California boys. We know how to do it.

[remy30006]

Thank you for all the advise. I ended up taking a drill and drilling out the rubber which was very easy, then the centers fell out. After that I collapsed the sleeves also pretty easy. When I pressed them in I used a couple bolts with nuts that I could turn out to support the arm. Overall pretty easy,

Thank you again