"Help with Radius Arm bushes"

[Rick111]

Hey Guys,
I have a 2001 GU Patrol Wagon, could someone please tell me if it is a problem to pull both radius arms out at the same time so I can take them to work to press in the new 2" castor correction bushes. I have read somewhere were it states to pull one out at a time. Also does anyone have the data of how to line up the bushes when you press them in.
I know someone is going to say you don't need them for a 2" lift but I do as the steering feels really light after putting in the lift & the steering wheel does not return to centre.

Thank's Guys,

Cheers, Rick

[MudRunnerTD]

Hey Rick,

You will be fine to take both out, just a little easier to keep everything lined up if you do one at a time. Make sure you have someone to help you put them back in if youdo both at once. ;)

There will be little arrows or tabs to help you align them mate, will be simple.

Good luck mate

[Rick111]

Thanks MudRunner I'll let you know how I go, I still have to buy the bushes. A couple of questions mate, should I fit Poly or Rubber Bushes & what type of springs should I get? I have Bullbar, winch & dual Batteries, nothing much in the back. I've been told progressive rate for the back & constant load for the front, & springs should be about 19mm.

[dan&tamspatrol]

poly with last longer

[Bigrig]

Genuine rubber bushes all the way ... my two cents ...

[dan&tamspatrol]

why rubber ive heard they flex better or something like that but dont really understand what its all about

[Bigrig]

why rubber ive heard they flex better or something like that but dont really understand what its all about

Flex better, and generally speaking, aren't as "coarse" - meaning the rubber bushes throughout the suspension actually absorb some of the vibration going into it - poly doesn't and you can end up with a harsh ride ...

[dan&tamspatrol]

does it really make that much of a difference to ride quality coz i have poly bushes and its not that uncomfortable at all

[Bigrig]

does it really make that much of a difference to ride quality coz i have poly bushes and its not that uncomfortable at all

It 'can' and as said, doesn't flex as well, so when you start playing with bigger lifts and the like, they can become a weak link as it were in gaining articulation ... More noticeable on giving a harsh ride with the rear bushes (where the radius arms meet the chassis), and the shock rubbers. Caster corrections I'm not so certain on truth be told.

It's one of the those areas where I go genuine only - only my opinion though ...

[dan&tamspatrol]

fair enough i went for poly bush coz i want them to last a while i guess its a case of personal preference

[nissannewby]

As for your steering wheel bushes prob wont solve this you will need to get an adjustable steering arm. Rubber bushes are the go. As for your springs if you call someone like suspension stuff and tell them what you have told us they will be able to supply you with the correct springs for your application.

[patch697]

Hay Rick I've sent you a PM mate, I hope it helps.

[bordertech]

Just chock the wheels in front and behind so the diff stays in position. It makes it easy to put back in as it's pretty much still lined up. You can remove and replace radius arms on the side of the road if you wanted.

[Robo]

I personally jacked car up and placed chassis on stands, wheels still slightly on ground to help remove preload.
This way springs are less likely to roll diff out.
Chock all 4 wheels, total of 8 chocks, 2 per wheel
Select low range and 1st if manual box .
Ensure in park if auto and low range
Engage front hubs.
this will also help to lock diff in place for both arms to come off at same time.
Had no problems doing it this way both arms at same time myself.
A good sized screwdriver helps as a guide-leaver for realignment of bolts.

Recon doing 1 at a time is a slight problem.
as you have to remove at least 1 bolt from other arm to allow diff to roll for new angle anyway.
Cheers

[Morton]

poly are fine if you do alot of driving & touring, it you lift it & play alot I would go rubber, I fitted perfirated rubber bushes for the flex on both of mine ( tourer & toy), again it is personal, I only fit poly on my lowered cars for precise handling as I want the car to go where I point it when I point it,

[Robo]

poly are fine if you do alot of driving & touring, it you lift it & play alot I would go rubber, I fitted perfirated rubber bushes for the flex on both of mine ( tourer & toy), again it is personal, I only fit poly on my lowered cars for precise handling as I want the car to go where I point it when I point it,
X2 on the pros n cons here

[dion_83]

Pretty easy to knock up a jig to help line them up too. Couple of old bolts/pieces of bar welded to some scrap RHS with the correct spacing. you'll be glad you made it if you get home and realize they've been pressed in incorrect.