Can't get control arm in with ES bushing.

[markman]

So I struggled and struggled and finally got an Energy Suspension 8.3117 polyurethane bushing into my worn '98 control arm. Specifically, I just replaced the rear bushing of the front arm. It's like 1000% stiffer than the original. If I bolt up the new bushing and front frame bushing, I can't pull the knuckle-end of the arm down to mate up with the ball joint mount. Oh, and in the process, I tore the boot of the ball joint.

Any ideas on what I should do next? I'm thinking of just getting new Toyota control arms, installing them (that's a snap) and then taking it in to the dealer to have the stinking ball joint replaced, because Toyota makes ball joints that last forever... Well, or at least until I get involved. I wish I knew more mechanically oriented people around Iowa.

[steve97]

Are you saying replacing the control arm is easier than replacing the ball joint? I have done the ball joint, but not the control arm. How long did the control arm take to replace?

[markman]

The control arm is just a matter of unbolting and bolting. Start at the ball joint, then the two front bolts into the sub frame and then the one bolt at the back that goes through the big bushing. The biggest problem I had was that the threads on the two bolts going into the subframe weren't formed really well and I mashed the threads the first time I put them back. It took about 10 minutes with a really fine file to clear off the damaged threads.

When you reinstall the control arm, you just go in the opposite order. The back first, and it's a little tricky just because the top nut is loose and you have to get it in position. Tighten it slightly, then put the two bolts into the front subframe mount. At that point, you have to pull the end of the arm down to the ball joint mount and get the two fixed bolts into the control arm - just keep wiggling everything. The get the last bolt into that end that goes up into the ball joint mount.

My only problem was that I couldn't get the arm down with the replacement bushing. I got a cheap arm off of ebay on there now, but I don't plan to leave it. It's OK, but I don't think it fits up as tight as the original. The original uses "cone nuts" into ball joint to hold the alignment tight and the "OE brand" uses standard bolts and nuts with lock washers.

I understand that the Toyota arm has changed part numbers, so they may last longer than the original bushings. Who knows.

If you need any advice or whatnot, send me a message. I've got a few pictures and such.

[Tercel GTS]

How far are you from Charles City?