So...my van sounds like I have a big dog munching on a squeaky toy under the hood. Pretty sure it is the control arm bushings. It is getting pretty bad, as I can hear it above my music (which is usually pretty loud).

I've never messed with this before, so I need some advice. I'm not afraid to change them out (a friend suggested lubricating them, but that didn't help). I just don't know exactly where to start. Do I need to jack up the front end to reduce tension? Leave it on the ground? Will the entire front end explode like a "snake in a can" when I remove the bolts? I have moderate mechanical skills so I know I could probably figure it out as I go, but I would just rather get some advice before attacking the front end and making a mess, especially since this is my only vehicle at the moment and I don't feel like walking to the auto parts store after starting a project.

Thanks!

(pic for effect)

 

How's your tire wear looking? Might be a good idea to have your front suspension inspected by a shop pro. My 99 3500 had recently developed a creaking/squeaking noises that increasingly got worse. Mostly happened during a turn and over slight dips and bumps. I had suspected The LCA bushings since I had never changed those, but had replaced the upper arms.
Turns out my lower ball joints which I had replaced failed failed and were part of the creaking as well as the upper and lower bushings. This was a $2,500. repair bill I was okay with to pay as I had neither the time, place, nor the will to tackle the job.
They also replaced the motor mounts, (said there was no rubber left, ouch!) both idler arms and turned rotors n new pads, repacked bearings along with both upper and lower control arms (ball joints n bushings included) and alignment.
Im sure they'll check everything else but make sure to have them check the strut rod bushings and motor mounts too while at it.

 

Replacing the bushings is the only way to stop the squeaking.