Author Topic: 1984 Chevy Silverado lower control bushing replacement issue  (Read 1706 times)

Offline Chuck Step-a-side

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1984 Chevy Silverado lower control bushing replacement issue
« on: September 21, 2020, 05:03:05 PM »
Guys, I'm replacing the lower control arm bushings on my 1984 Chevy Silverado and have one bushing pressed in, but I'm stumped with pressing in the bushing on the opposite end. I need to locate a 2- 1/4" shallow cup bushing with a 1/3 cut-out to get around the control arm shaft while it's in place.
I have 2 different control arm busing and ball joint removal and install kits and a 14 piece Master ball joint Adapter Kit and none of the sleeves or bushing will help me get this final control arm bushing in. Is there something I'm missing here?  Thanks, Chuck

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: 1984 Chevy Silverado lower control bushing replacement issue
« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2020, 06:09:28 PM »
Not sure I get the 2-1/4 bushing w/ 1/3 cutout comment... :o

I used an oversized socket that was just big enough to fit over the rubber section.

It was a 3/4 drive, so I used a 3/4 to 1/2" adapter.

Put the adapter in the socket, used a air hammer with a 1/2" bit and drove that monkey home. Grease...
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Chuck Step-a-side

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Re: 1984 Chevy Silverado lower control bushing replacement issue
« Reply #2 on: September 22, 2020, 06:52:59 AM »
The 2-1/4 bushing w/ 1/3 cutout is the bushing tool I would use for the back of control arm (while the shaft is in place) to drive in the bushing using a large bushing clamp.

I get how you're doing it - are you supporting the back side with a bench vise while driving the bushing in?

If I don't have a air hammer can I pressing the rubber section out of the bushing and then press the outer bushing shell into the control arm (using the bushing clamps)?  This should allow me to press in bushing outer shell without the control arm shaft in place and once both bushing shells are in place, insert control arm shaft and lube rubber bushing and tighten the center shaft's bolts with washers to press in rubber bushing until seated.

Thank you for your reply!!  Chuck

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: 1984 Chevy Silverado lower control bushing replacement issue
« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2020, 01:39:40 PM »
I didn't know you were using poly bushing, thought they were the integrated original type.

I  am using them too, just hammered the sleeves in, then one bushing, washer and nut one end.

It was hard to get the second set on, but I left the first end loose, i.e. just enough thread to hold it.

Don't forget to deform the sleeves on the inner part of the arm. OEM had it that way so the bushings wouldn't walk out or twist loose. (I guess)
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Chuck Step-a-side

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Re: 1984 Chevy Silverado lower control bushing replacement issue
« Reply #4 on: September 22, 2020, 07:49:04 PM »

J.P. 
They are the integrated bushing. I was looking at them and thought they could be separated. What you thought on this?

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: 1984 Chevy Silverado lower control bushing replacement issue
« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2020, 12:13:18 AM »
Can you show some pics please?
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: 1984 Chevy Silverado lower control bushing replacement issue
« Reply #6 on: September 23, 2020, 03:52:19 PM »
So it's a outer sleeve with rubber bushing inside, and in the middle of the rubber bushing there's an inner sleeve with serrated ends?
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Chuck Step-a-side

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Re: 1984 Chevy Silverado lower control bushing replacement issue
« Reply #7 on: September 23, 2020, 05:35:36 PM »

JP -
 
Yep, that's the Bugger. What do you say?

I'm going to confess - I've purchase the complete lower control arms with the ball joint and its' for a C20, not for my C10.  Now I'm stuck with these new control arm because there's a return shipping cost and 20% restock fee. This leaving hole in my pocket.

Words for the others - double check fitting and triple at check the manufacturer website numbers before ordering and the most importantly - check the return policies before pushing the button

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: 1984 Chevy Silverado lower control bushing replacement issue
« Reply #8 on: September 24, 2020, 07:41:06 PM »
Grease it up and hammer it in with a large socket that fits over the internal rubber bushing, but rests on the outer sleeve.

If it won't go, Freeze the bushing in your freezer overnight, heat up the arm with a torch and try it.

It may not be as bad as you think

Worked with a fellow mechanic who had a 1969 C10, he changed out all the 1/2 ton to 1 ton components, tie rods, ball joints, bushings, saying that they are interchangeable. Take measurements, if the same, install and move on...
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction