A few questions on rear bushings installation

[tommyncal]

I've been reading threads on here for awhile now, great info, but I have a few questions and need some advice. I have a '04 Pathfinder with the rear sway problem. I don't off road much, just some light dirt and gravel trails.I have decided to buy the bushings and not the Dorman arms, with bushings already installed.

 

1) Has anyone used both the split bushings and the 1 piece bushings (from 4x4 parts) ? Or, any advice on how much better, if at all, the 1 piece are. I assume the split will be easier to install, but I do have a friend with a press. Just trying to make the job easier if possible.

 

2) Do you install the bushings without the 'outer' metal sleeve? I called 4x4 parts and someone there told me to use the outer sleeve. From reading and watching some videos, it seems they are destroyed, when removing the old bushings, and not used again.

 

3) How important is it to buy the new bolts and not use the old bolts? I have already replaced the rear shocks and they were fairly easy to get off. The bolts on the trailing arms look similar. They don't look rusted at all.

 

Thanks for any help

 

 

[ferrariowner123]

I can tell you from reading around the forums for a few years, that the split bushings are MUCH easier to install than the one piece, i've heard of guys breaking multi ton presses trying to get those solid bushings into the arms.

 

As far as performance, someone else is going to have to chime in.

 

In my experience of installing bushings, i've have always destroyed the outer sleeve, given that's because i was installing OEM M3 bushings in my buddies E30, and it came with a new sleeve.

 

If the bolts are in good shape, i.e free of rust, threads are still usable, and generally just looks good, i'd say keep it, OEM bolts are usually a good product, and generally dont need replacing, especially if you don't go off road.

 

What i'd do in your case is get the split bushings without the upgraded bolts, and if 4X4parts says to still use the outer sleeve on the split, do what they say, they are the only parts group who make poly bushings for R50's, there's a fairly high chance they designed it.

 

-Kyle

[albino]

I installed the split bushings this summer and getting them in was a breeze... that is after a day or two of grinding and cutting through the old bolts that were frozen in place. The upper control arms are pretty straightforward, its the lower ones that usually are difficult to get off.

 

Even if my bolts had come off in one piece I would have replaced them. I think it is generally a good idea to replace critical bolts like those if they have been on there for a while and you already have them off. Might as well replace them with some nice shiny ones just make sure they are the right grade.

 

I did not put the sleeves back on when I put the split bushings in since mine were damaged when removing the old bushings. The truck rides great now and there is definitely not a wobble anymore.

[tommyncal]

So, did you install the split bushings without the outer metal sleeve? I did find another poly bushing, although it is a 1 piece, from Armstrong Distributors, ADUS 594. $45/pair.

[tommyncal]

I installed the split bushings this summer and getting them in was a breeze... that is after a day or two of grinding and cutting through the old bolts that were frozen in place. The upper control arms are pretty straightforward, its the lower ones that usually are difficult to get off.

 

Even if my bolts had come off in one piece I would have replaced them. I think it is generally a good idea to replace critical bolts like those if they have been on there for a while and you already have them off. Might as well replace them with some nice shiny ones just make sure they are the right grade.

 

I did not put the sleeves back on when I put the split bushings in since mine were damaged when removing the old bushings. The truck rides great now and there is definitely not a wobble anymore.

 

Are the new bolts from 4 x 4 parts the correct grade of bolt ? Is that where you got them?

 

Edited November 20, 2013 by tommyncal

[albino]

I used the bolts that 4x4 parts sent and they were the right grade.

[Qx4donald]

So, did you install the split bushings without the outer metal sleeve? I did find another poly bushing, although it is a 1 piece, from Armstrong Distributors, ADUS 594. $45/pair.

Assuming you replace all bushings on all 4 arms, buying the ADUS for $45/pair is about the same cost as the complete trailing arm kit from 4x4parts.com ($185 + ~$25s&h), which includes new bolts and nuts - and even though you have access to a press, the 4x4parts bushing kit is split design.

 

Sent from the Nexus4