Radius Arm Bushing's Squeak

[shane96ranger]

My Ranger squeaks like a civ when the front end flexes while I go over bumps, etc. The bushings appear to be in good shape, and I hear no clunking like my old Explorer did. I've tried to put WD-40 on them, but it only lasts a couple of weeks. Is this a common issue that can be resolved? Or should I bite the bullet and replace them? Thanks!

 

[BlackBII]

Do you have the Rubber or Polyurethane ones?

 

[shane96ranger]

They are factory, so I guess those were rubber?

 

[ThatGuy]

Time to replace.

 

[shane96ranger]

OK, sounds good. Is there a "how to" somewhere on TRS? I looked in the tech library and didn't see anything (I have been known to look right at something I needed and not see it). Those rivets on the top look like a pain to get out. Is there an easy way? Thanks a ton!

 

[4x4junkie]

Grinder, Air chisel, and/or drill.

Removing the radius arm crossmember seem to be the easiest way to replace the bushings. Replace the rivets using 7/16" bolts.

 

[legoms013]

No there isn't an easy way. Either torch them off or get a grinder and cut at X in the them and air chisel them off. Replace with a minimum of grade 5 bolts.

 

[BlackBII]

Thats the hard way....

Jack the up truck under the axle and then unbolt the radius arm, tie rod, shock and sway bar and let them all just hang there. Put some jackstands under the frame and lower the axle down. There will be enough play to pull the axle forward just enough to get the new bushing in. Easy. Done it many times

One side at a time of course.. id rather do that than grind out some rivets..

 

[shane96ranger]

Is any brand of bushing better than the other? I usually lean towards Moog on suspension parts.

 

[shane96ranger]

unbolt the radius arm, tie rod, shock and sway bar and let them all just hang there

Do I need to do anything with the spring?

 

[Downey]

im running james duff bushings i like them

 

[Downey]

Thats the hard way....

Jack the up truck under the axle and then unbolt the radius arm, tie rod, shock and sway bar and let them all just hang there. Put some jackstands under the frame and lower the axle down. There will be enough play to pull the axle forward just enough to get the new bushing in. Easy. Done it many times

One side at a time of course.. id rather do that than grind out some rivets..

screw that its two easy to take out 4 rivets and i trust bolts more than rivets.

 

[BlackBII]

Do I need to do anything with the spring?

It will just drop out of the coil bucket.

And 4 bolts sounds a lot easier to me than 4 rivets.....just sayin..

 

[8sechonda]

when i bought mine it was squeeking also,.. bottom ball joints was bad.... replaced and no more squeeking...