So... replacing just the clevis bracket bushing evolved to replacing all three lower control arm bushings (the main two are not sagging, but badly weathered / cracked), which, given cost to press in/out, evolved into just replacing the entire control arm... cheaper, eliminates some of the rust... parts on order... expect to be done by Wednesday, alignment to follow. Struts operate fine and look OK, so they're staying for now (they're actually easy enough to replace vs the bushings).

So are you all saying that it is more trouble than $300 per side to replace these bushings?

tjkj,
Appreciate the info. Sounds tough but interesting.
I think I'll give her a whirl and replace the bushings. Stubborn German. (You'll probably tell me I told you so later).
I have a Cobra that is next in line that needs the same bushings replaced so this might be good practice.
Already did the rears in the Cobra, how much harder can the fronts be on a Jeep?

A little rough on religion, was it?

My clevis bracket bushings are well rusted, looks VERY unlikely they'd come out without significant trouble. I gathered various tools too... got to where I thought I might be able to get them out, but didn't see a path to getting new ones in... thus, pull control arms and take them to have them pressed out, but that cost, including bushings, is more than a new control arm with new bushings.. see http://www.jeep4x4center.com/lower-cont ... 636af.html or http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-521-378-Fr ... an+521-378 . And if you're thinking 'made in china', you're probably right. After discussions with several '4x4' providers, most of these products are now. I'd be a little surprised if even the $388 version you mentioned was fully US made. Net... $116 each for LCA's with bushings (they were cheaper when I ordered mine) vs bushings and labor to fix the old one... Moog does make CA's for all positions other than Front LCA... will go that route if I decide to do more... then at least a strong rep firm over-seeing china build. (see http://www.fme-cat.com/Application.aspx ... Suspension )

Please Note: This is for Street Use Only

1 LCA R&R down, 1 to go (when it gets here tomorrow). Wow, that was way easier than trying to extract that clevis bracket bushing. New LCA looked exactly like the original, weighed the same, bushings even looked exactly the same... China appears capable of doing some things OK.

You might want to do a little research... you'll find many parts labeled 'Made in USA' are really just final assembled in USA... in fact, just re-packing them or re-labeling them can allow suppliers to put that USA label on. Welcome to the global economy.