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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: HIGHPLAINSDRIFTER on October 27, 2011, 10:14:37 am

Title: Full Bushing Replacement
Post by: HIGHPLAINSDRIFTER on October 27, 2011, 10:14:37 am
Hey guys, long time no post.   I have been stretched pretty thin lately and haven't had much time for the good stuff.  The good part about that is I got a little extra money to spend on my truck.  I ordered a full bushing replacement kit from Energy Suspension for my 79k15004x4. It has new bushings for all the leaf springs, body bushings, sway bar, trans mount, and tie rod boots.  It looks like it is going to be more than I want to tackle laying in the driveway, so I thought I would take it to a local shop to get it done.  My question is how much can I expect to spend having it done at a professional shop that is equipped with all the right stuff to get it done right.  Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Full Bushing Replacement
Post by: bake74 on October 27, 2011, 10:58:42 am
     From what you described, a shop is probaly going to quote you about 4 -6 hours at their labor rate is my guess.
Title: Re: Full Bushing Replacement
Post by: HIGHPLAINSDRIFTER on October 27, 2011, 11:41:30 am
Thanks man. I have been hitting all the bolts with PB Blaster for the last few days, so I hope that helps them out.
Title: Re: Full Bushing Replacement
Post by: Grim 82 on October 27, 2011, 09:05:38 pm
Honestly, if you have the time and can pace yourself through replacing all of those components, I would do most if not all of it yourself if you can. Everything with the exception of the leaf spring bushings are a pretty quick and easy swap if you have some tools and a jack. If you don't have a torch or a press I would let a shop do the spring bushings, and for those alone I would guess 4 hours labor.
Title: Re: Full Bushing Replacement
Post by: heavychevy91 on October 28, 2011, 05:47:19 pm
I installed the same kit on my truck. There are a few bushings that were missing. It did not have the lower sway bar bushings, and the rear spring bushings were so check to make sure all are included first. other than that i am happy with the kit. if you do it yourself watch out for the silicone bushing grease they give you, man is that stuff sticky!
Title: Re: Full Bushing Replacement
Post by: HIGHPLAINSDRIFTER on November 14, 2011, 11:19:58 am
Well, got the truck back after 8 business days at a local shop, which I kind thought was a little too long.  Truck drives alot better, really tight and not much body roll at all.  I can feel more vibration in the cab but the truck feels much, much more solid. They charged me $600 for the bushing replacement portion. Over all, I'm happy with the outcome and would recommend the kit.
Title: Re: Full Bushing Replacement
Post by: bake74 on November 15, 2011, 12:57:59 pm
     $600.00 for that is not bad if you could not do it yourself.  Though 8 days, does sound long, almost like they let it sit there and worked on it here and there. 
     But I am glad you are happy with the outcome, now you can enjoy your truck which is the most important thing.
Title: Re: Full Bushing Replacement
Post by: cruisinc10 on November 15, 2011, 11:58:17 pm
Did you order the bushings directly though energy suspension? And what was the price for the kit?
- thanks,
          Mike
Title: Re: Full Bushing Replacement
Post by: heavychevy91 on November 18, 2011, 06:06:49 am
I dont know if this is something chris can get but at the time i bought mine from these guys http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/default2.asp and i believe it was about $220
Title: Re: Full Bushing Replacement
Post by: HIGHPLAINSDRIFTER on November 20, 2011, 10:47:20 am
Did you order the bushings directly though energy suspension? And what was the price for the kit?
- thanks,
          Mike


I ordered them directly from ES and the kit was $249.  The more I drive it around the more I like it.  The old rubber ones must have been really bad.
Title: Re: Full Bushing Replacement
Post by: cruisinc10 on November 28, 2011, 10:48:41 pm
Did you order the bushings directly though energy suspension? And what was the price for the kit?
- thanks,
          Mike




I ordered them directly from ES and the kit was $249.  The more I drive it around the more I like it.  The old rubber ones must have been really bad.

Right on! Might be something I will look in to buyin.