Z1NONLY

iTrader: (2)

Now I get to do this....

Just found this today while changing my oil. (Both sides!!)







I'm considering SPL. Do they now come with a "bushing tool" like the kit for the diff does? Or do I need to get a 29mm socket?

I think I might just buy a press too....

Grrrr. I have an event in a week and I can't see this getting fixed by then.

JasonZ-YA

iTrader: (60)

^ The SPL inner bushings are super super easy to install...

see, the spl cone ends simply come off, so you can get any flat piece of metal and press them into the arm. then once the spl bushing is in the arm you then just slide the two cone ends - one on each side - into the bushing and your done!.

- Remember, in order to remove the oem bushing race out of the arm your gonna need the solid 1.50 inch piece to press it out.

This piece: - found at any metal supply store - call around.

-J

Z1NONLY

iTrader: (2)

Thanks. I just removed both of the arms. I'm thinking I might be able to get the new bushings on during the week sometime.

I'll call a few vendors tomorrow and see who has what, and at what price.

The Whitelines are a good bit cheaper from what I can find online, but maybe someone will give me a good deal on the SPL's. (I already have the A-arms and diff set.)

Do I need to torque Whitelines after I drop the car so I don't "twist" them?

BTW, that inner bolt was on there TIGHT...on both sides! Wow. There was some metal-on-metal too.

Z1NONLY

iTrader: (2)

You sure it was 1.5" inner? A friend of mine tried to pick up som DOM and was told it's measured by outer.

JasonZ-YA

iTrader: (60)

read my post again - I am recommending a SOLID piece of aluminum ROD (cylindrical piece) that is 1.5" diameter.

sure DOM tubing can be used, but then you need something to bridge the top...notice how the solid cylinder in the picture has the press pushing directly onto it.....

so yes, if you choose to get DOM "tubing" then you need 1.5 outter, but must have a plate or something to go over top to use it as a press tool..since its hollow centered.

-J

JasonZ-YA

iTrader: (60)

See here again......

Z1NONLY

iTrader: (2)

Thanks but I'm now looking at getting the whiteline's and I would like to fabricate a single tool to do extraction as well as pressing the new bushings in.

The whitelines will need something like your franken socket, so that's what I'm trying to fabricate.

BTW, Do I need to drop the car first. Then torque the bolts on the bushings? I know the SPL's don't care, but I don't want to "twist" the whitelines by getting them tight with the suspension fully extended and then twist them once I put the car back on the floor.

JasonZ-YA

iTrader: (60)

Thats not possible. you need two tools........read over the beginning of this thread again.. if your looking to install whitelines you will need a 1.5 INNER diameter dom with a top, so yes like a franksocket.

but that same tool, will be too big to use as the removal too....to remove you need 1.5 Outter diameter or again like i mentioned a solid 1.5 cylinder piece to press out the old race.

again, you need two. please read post 5, 6 and7 again.
Post 5 talks about removing the old bushings
post 6 talks about fabricating the frank socket.
Post 7 Talks about installing the whiteline bushing - with franksocket.



it doesnt matter, the bushings are 'sleeved' and when you torque, you are tightening down on the sleeve shaft.

it will be fine..
-J

Z1NONLY

iTrader: (2)

I have read your write up and found it very helpful. My problem is that it seems I have a better chance of finding Bigfoot than 1.5" inner diameter DOM.

Your original post mentioned 1.5" inner. I'm being told DOM is measured by outer diameter rather than inner diameter.

So my hunt for Bigfoot continues.

JasonZ-YA

iTrader: (60)

ok, go buy a 2 inch outter diameter DOM steel tube, and ask for .25 inch wall.

they may also call that 11 gauge, but usually 11 gauge is .120" so i would do your best to find .25 inch wall on a 2.0 inch outter dia DOM.

happy trails....
-J

Z1NONLY

iTrader: (2)

Perfect!

Thanks.

Z1NONLY

iTrader: (2)

Done!

Thanks again Jason. Without a helpful DIY thread like this one, I probably would have spent hundreds paying someone else to do the work.

I do have something to add that Sean at Precision Z Service mentioned.

The inner mounting points on my 05 have these "nubs" two on each side of each mounting point for a total of 8.


He recommended that I grind these smooth so the bushing movement won't be impeded. He said the stock shocks have something like these and he recommended grinding those smooth too, but my Koni's didn't have them.

So...



And of course I used the included grease to lube all metal to bushing contact.

Ta Da!

JDMStanced

iTrader: (16)

^^do you have a pic of your own bushing removal tool you used?

SnoDog

iTrader: (3)

Hey dudes,

I had an alignment done today on my 2005 Z, and upon inspection, the tech told me that my front lower control arm bushings are starting to show cracks. I've only got 38k miles on my Z, but time wise, it is 6 years old so that might be the reason why so soon (I think?) It's a daily driver and garaged every night though.


Anyway, so I'm planning on following your DIY and replacing my bushings soon with some good aftermarket ones. What I wanted to know is: if and when I replace the bushings, will I need another alignment?

The guy who did my alignment said that if I go to him for my bushing install (which he'll charge me $120) he will do another front alignment for free if I do it soon. So I figured I'll just do my own bushing replacement, but wondered if I'll need another alignment.

Thanks guys!

laze1

iTrader: (17)

yes, you should re-align you car after major work like this

ilovegirls

who can i go to to replace the subframe amd rear diff bushings in so cal.

fexplosiong

Anyway I could borrow one of those Frankensockets? Im in DFW

also, did OP grind down the nubs like others have? Is it necessary?

Thank you!

AcidJake75

iTrader: (64)

PM sent..

JasonZ-YA

iTrader: (60)

^ I wouldnt say its necessary, the friction is there regardless with the whiteline bushings...nubs or not..

-J

fexplosiong

Thank you for your opinion, I should be knocking this out on sunday

Thanks for the great write up!