Xj upper control arm bushings

[RogueJeepr]

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]

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]

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]

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

This for us torch challenged folk

 

[thenag]

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

Nathan

 

[RogueJeepr]

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]

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...

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]

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...

 

[jeeper]

I'm also a BFH type of guy.

I've also torched a few. Makes a mess and smell, but works fine.

 

[RogueJeepr]

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

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]

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

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]

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]

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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