• RME Gear & Apparel

Xj upper control arm bushings

RogueJeepr

RogueJeepr

Here!
Location
Utah
Ive been looking into what it takes to put my upper control arms on and I'll need the bushings on the axle end replaced. Should I attempt this myself or have a shop do it (faster probably) ????
Recommendations.

Also read that WJ bushings are better. T/F ?




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Gravy

Gravy

Ant Anstead of Dirtbikes
Supporting Member
Location
The Land Northward (Bountiful), Utah
I couldn't tell you if the bushings themselves are the same physical size, but pressing control arm bushings is a pain because you need to just catch the edge of the bushing.
The best way I've found to get the stock bushings out is to burn them out with a torch then cut the outer ring with a cold chisel.
It's messy but hammering the stock bushing out is basically impossible.

I know that WJ bushings are softer on the lowers and have windows (holes) in them to reduce NVH, so you could surmise that the uppers will have a softer durometer and likely won't last as long as the stockers.
 
DAA

DAA

Well-Known Member
Location
West Bountiful, UT
Guessing they are probably about the same if not exactly the same as on TJ's. I replace mine with Johnny Joints, but getting the old bushings out, I used a chisel to fold in the shell a bit around the edges, then got a length of 1" square tube lined up to catch that folded in shell and hit it with a BFH and had it out pretty quick.

- DAA
 
mbryson

mbryson

.......a few dollars more
Supporting Member
Location
Bountiful, land of rocks
DAA said:
Guessing they are probably about the same if not exactly the same as on TJ's. I replace mine with Johnny Joints, but getting the old bushings out, I used a chisel to fold in the shell a bit around the edges, then got a length of 1" square tube lined up to catch that folded in shell and hit it with a BFH and had it out pretty quick.

- DAA
Click to expand...

This for us torch challenged folk
 
thenag

thenag

Registered User
Location
Kearns
Is it anything like a leaf spring bushing, just drill the rubber until you can't drill anymore then remove the pieces?

Nathan
 
RogueJeepr

RogueJeepr

Here!
Location
Utah
I'll stick with the xj bushings then, if the WJs are softer.
Im gonna talk to my mechanic and see if he can get it done faster for a reasonable price. If not I'll probably do it myself.

What's it like to get the new ones in (tool I need, etc) ?


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bryson

bryson

RME Resident Ninja
Supporting Member
Location
West Jordan
Just a thought, but when you're considering the WJ bushings, remember that WJs have death wobble issues worse than any other model of Jeep. I don't know if the bushings are to blame, but...:hickey:

I have had decent luck getting bushings out using a rented ball joint press. With the BJ press though, you need to make sure you have properly sized sleeves. If that isn't an option or doesn't work, I prefer the method that DAA mentioned, because torching bushings is a horribly disgusting endeavor.
 
gijohn40

gijohn40

too poor to wheel... :(
Location
Layton, Utah
I drilled the rubber out of mine completely then folded the side in and used a air hammer to push it out and still had troubles...
 
RogueJeepr

RogueJeepr

Here!
Location
Utah
DAA said:
Guessing they are probably about the same if not exactly the same as on TJ's. I replace mine with Johnny Joints, but getting the old bushings out, I used a chisel to fold in the shell a bit around the edges, then got a length of 1" square tube lined up to catch that folded in shell and hit it with a BFH and had it out pretty quick.

- DAA
Click to expand...
How long do the Johnny joints last as far as reliability. Any squeaks or noises.??? Also how much $$$

Haven't had much luck on a quote.
My mech never called me back and lots of places seem to shut down for lunch, even 4wp never answered the phone.

Oh well I got plenty of time before the project begins.


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DAA

DAA

Well-Known Member
Location
West Bountiful, UT
ModStock said:
How long do the Johnny joints last as far as reliability. Any squeaks or noises.??? Also how much $$$
Click to expand...


I have JJ's on all 16 ends of my CA's. They have about 75K miles on them now (running 35's). Never any problems. I grease them every time I change the oil, which is every 4K. No squeaks, no clunks, no pops, no nothing. I have nothing but good things to say about Johnny Joints.

This is the kit I used for the axle end of the front uppers: Currie Front Upper JJ Kit. Looks like $205 direct from Currie.

- DAA
 
thenag

thenag

Registered User
Location
Kearns
Johnny Joints work and they last. They are rebuildable.

They are expensive.

They are about $40 each, so keep that in mind when looking at kits, arms etc, My Clayton Long arm Kit has 14 Johnny Joints, so that is about $800 in JJ.

Nathan
 
RogueJeepr

RogueJeepr

Here!
Location
Utah
So those get pressed in like stock bushings with a ball joint press (and their Lil tool) ?

Edit :::::
Nevermind. I found a vid installing those.

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