Ok Boys and Girls, here is a question that I've been wondering about and needs to be done.

My 98 Ram 4x4 has some tendancies to rattle and knock from the passenger side floor board up front. I'm thinking its the control arm bushings since I've already done the shocks all around.

Now, what does it take to replace the bushings? I've got tools, jacks, etc. What I dont have is the knowledge really on how replacement is going to effect my alignment, or if any specialty tools are needed to get the old bushings out; like a press or some such.

From what little I can tell, the lower control arm will be relatively easy to remove. The upper? I might need to turn into Gumby to get at that one!! Suggestions? Or would I be better off finding a shop that can do this and replace my bushings with ones I select. Sorry, but OEM rubber ones are not an option! Definately going with Energy Suspension products on this one.

 

you might just be better off buying some skyjacker 3in control arms or similar because there the same size.

 

And they look cool

 

You are in for alot of work to change those bushings. There is a lip on them that has to folded up and then you have to press out the old bushing. That is only if the control arm's come out easy, the cam bolts can be hard as hell to get out. I had to cut mine and buy new bolts. I have even heard of guys when instaling a lift having to cut their control arms in half just to get them out.
I would do what Tani1500 suggested and buy the new arms, you won't regret it.

 

When they need to be replaced can u physically move them up and down, when the bushing is worn? I get a knock over bumps and stuff right under my foot while driving, not a loud knock, very slight, if i'm not really paying attention to it, or do not have my foot right over it i don't even notice it.

 

So, what is the final fix for this problem? My 97 4x4 with 85k does the same thing. Sounds like a little gremlin is tapping on the floorboard as I drive down the road. I pulled my lower control arms and they were tight, no slop or wear/degeneration of the bushings. I can't figger out where this dang noise is coming from!

 

Lance, I did this job on my Ram... the 1st mod actually. it was a PITA getting the old ones out but it's do-able. both arms come out with the bushings attached which helps alot (unlike the Jeep Grand cherokee which has the bushings pressed into the axle... same type of setup with the 4 arms).

I made myself a press using some threaded rod, a piece of pvc (union, dont remember the size) and a couple of end plates for construction. the real thick stuff, 1/8~1/4" if I recall correctly. pulling the arms out is easy, 2 bolts on each end of each arm. putting them back is also a PITA.

Also, if you drop a socket down into the frame... dont get bent outa shape like me... the frame opens up around the rear of the tranny and you can slide your arm up there to retrieve it. had this problem on the jeep, and never saw the opening. spent about 20 minutes fishing out my socket with a coat hanger. the dodge was easy.

anyway, if you have any questions let me know... glad to help!