REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHING'S

1996xj · **Posted:** Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:25 pm

I wanted to let other's know about the rear control arm lower bushing's issue, I just delt with this weekend. Some one else had a thead about drifting of the rearend at highway speed's / wondering feel ,also not long ago ! After a wheeling trip a few weeks ago I notice at highway speed a drifting or wondering conditon with my 04 KJ. I didn't notice any loose or missing part under the jeep. I read a thred on LOST about rear control arm bushing's !! I checked and sure enough the rear lower bushing had spun and alomost broke free of the metal sleeve of the bushing !! I wonder if since being lifted and putting more constant twisting pressure caused the bushing falure !!! I was thinking mabe after lifting a KJ it would be wise to loosin the lower control arm bolt's and releave the bind, due to the lift and then retighten, if that would help the problem.

yodejt02 · **Posted:** Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:44 pm

gmoney2626 · **Posted:** Sat May 22, 2010 9:17 pm

I have the Frankenlift IIP and during an inspection I was told the rear control arm bushing was bad and had to have it replaced. They said it was probably due to the lift.... Yeah more problems.......

JustinP · **Posted:** Sat May 22, 2010 9:28 pm

I havent lifted my KJ yet, but on other stuff ive done involving control arms, it was standard procedure to loosen the control arm bolts and tighten them with the vehicle on the ground, so the bushing isnt stressed during normal operation.

InCommando · **Posted:** Sun May 23, 2010 10:39 am

Time to jack up the KJ....

cmohr · **Posted:** Sun May 23, 2010 7:03 pm

ALL the suspension bushings should only be torqued when the vehicle is on its wheels on the ground, thats the static postion. If you lift a vehicle, and do not lossen and retorque the bushing they will fail a lot sooner because they are in a constant flexed state.

This goes for all bushing. esp, control arms. Do remember to do both body to control arm, and control arm to axle.

If anyone puts a lift in, make sure you lossen off all the bushings to allow the centre crush tube to "Zero" itself for the new ride height position. (IE vehicle on the ground all weight on the wheels)
The ones most at risk are the lower rear control arms as they are not a solid bushing, they are designed with those holes to allow a little movement and flex without just ripping out. This is also important with all the front end bushings, upper A-arms, lower control arms and the clevis bush as well.

REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHING'S

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