Replacing suspension and bushes

[Richyd]

Hey Guys,

Just about to start the task of replacing the shocks, coils and bushes. Was hoping for a bit of guidance.

I have purchased a universal bushing remover to allow the bushing removal and replacement (most don't need shells replaced but some do).

I have purchased KYB skorched 4 shocks, king coils 50mm lift (front and back), EFS front strut top mounts, polytuff upper and lower rear coil insulators and a polypro 206k bushing kit.

Bushing kit contains:
Front Control Arm Lower-Inner Front & Rear Bush Kit
Front Control Arm Upper-Inner Bush Kit
Rear Control Arm Lower-Inner & Outer Bush Kit
Rear Control Arm Upper-Inner Bush Kit
Rear Toe Control Arm Inner Bush Kit
Rear Trailing Arm Lower-Front Bush Kit
Rear Trailing Arm Lower-Rear Bush Kit.

So, my questions are:
1) is there anything else that I should buy before starting?

2) Anything else that I should replace whilst already doing this?

3) is there a strut top mount for the rear shocks that needs replacing? I cannot find evidence of one.

4) does anyone know of a 'how to' on replacing the bushes?
I have the 'how to' on replacing the shocks (https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum...nstall&page=13) which I'm sure is going to be very helpful but was hoping there may be a bushing one that I hadn't found. I have the service manual (through http://www.pajero4x4.ru/piii/) but was hoping for something a bit more helpful..

Thanks again for all the help everyone!

[old Jack]

With all those suspension bushes to replace then you will need a 20 ton hydraulic press, you may get away with a lower rated press but suspension bushes can be very stubborn to remove and sometimes require heating/cutting out. You will also need press tools so you press on the outer circumference of the bushes and support the suspension arms so they are not bent by the process. Most times you can use a socket that is just smaller than the outer diameter of the bush as the press tool and a socket just larger than the outer diameter as the anvil tool. Sometimes you need to make you own tools.

If is just a once off job it maybe cheaper to remove the suspension arms and take them to a workshop and have the bushes pressed out and in for you.

OJ.

[geopaj]

As a side note, what site of bushes are you using?

There’s been a few people here that have used non-rubber ‘Nolathane style’ bushes and have reported that it has significantly increased Noise and harshness.

[Richyd]

Thanks OJ- good advice as usual. I do have access to a friend's 20T press, so hopefully I can sort something there.... If not, as you said, I can always take them to a mechanic for those bits...

Geopaj- I am using the nalothane type bushes.
Like you, I have also read those stories. I have also read reviews of people who have been very happy with them though.
At the end of the day, it was easier to find the nalothane bushes than rubber ones- I also managed to get a very good deal, so that really 'sealed the deal' for me!

[chippy4x4]

As a side note, what site of bushes are you using?

There’s been a few people here that have used non-rubber ‘Nolathane style’ bushes and have reported that it has significantly increased Noise and harshness.

Agreed. I will never again fit nolathane type bushes. I have found them to be too hard, noisy and prone to causing stress to the metal around them, resulting in welding being required to the chassis rail in one instance. Lets face it, if they were that good then the manufacturers would fit them. The rubber type stock bushes last a long time and give a ride that is good. It is all good to say that the nolathane will out last the originals, but hell lets face it who's going to have the car that long. Anyway that is my thoughts and I am sure that I will get shot down.......lol. However, my knowledge is from experience, and I have been around since rainbows were still BLACK & WHITE..

[Terryo]

Was looking for upper and lower control arm bushes as the originals were getting squeaky after 440K.
I was told by a couple of parts suppliers you can't get after market rubber bushes and they are parts supplier that usually know what they are talking about, not SC.Would like some links to be prove them wrong.

Local mechanic also said to steer clear of nolathane due to lack of longevity. He also does custom reconditioning old old cars.
Ended up getting upper nolathane as I thought if they last half as long as the originals they would probably see me out. Still looking for lower ones.

[chippy4x4]

Was looking for upper and lower control arm bushes as the originals were getting squeaky after 440K.
I was told by a couple of parts suppliers you can't get after market rubber bushes and they are parts supplier that usually know what they are talking about, not SC.Would like some links to be prove them wrong.

Local mechanic also said to steer clear of nolathane due to lack of longevity. He also does custom reconditioning old old cars.
Ended up getting upper nolathane as I thought if they last half as long as the originals they would probably see me out. Still looking for lower ones.

Try these guys they might be able to help

https://transgold.com.au/rubber-suspension/

[gemster]

Have a search on Ebay... There's heaps of Rubber ones...

Mountco, Febest, Kelpro even Mitsubishi ones if some have stock. All Rubber....

Most I have mentioned are good quality... Part numbers can help in your search...

Spare Parts places will charge you a fortune for Rubber ones.... I was quoted $385 for control arm bushes from a well known Ripco joint...... I laughed and got them from Ebay for $135... Same brand as I was quoted, over Half the price saved...

Or save even more $ and buy them from Overseas for under $15 per bush at most places for my NL... Just have to pay postage, ouch, but still works out way cheaper...

Gemster...

[Richyd]

Thanks all!
Not feeling so great about my decision with the nalothane bushes now (I'm sure they'll be fine). Some of my bushes currently are almost completely gone, so anything has got to be better

Can anyone confirm if there is any type of strut mount for the rear shocks that I should replace (I'm replacing the front ones obviously)?

I assume no one in know's of a good 'how to' for replacing the bushes either?

[old Jack]

Thanks all!
Not feeling so great about my decision with the nalothane bushes now (I'm sure they'll be fine). Some of my bushes currently are almost completely gone, so anything has got to be better

Can anyone confirm if there is any type of strut mount for the rear shocks that I should replace (I'm replacing the front ones obviously)?

I assume no one in know's of a good 'how to' for replacing the bushes either?

There are no separate replaceable rear shocker upper mount, the shocker shaft directly bolts through the body structure. If this upper mounting hole elongates because the shocker shaft bushes have been left for too long and have really flogged out then the elongated hole needs to be repaired or bushed before fitting new shockers can be fitted.

If it was my car I wouldn't risk use urethane bushes, I would look at returning then if possible even if a restocking/handling fee was charged. There are too many bad stories about using urethane bushes.

Chances are you will have at least 1 or more wheel alignment adjuster bolts seized in the bushes and these need to be cut out and then the bolts replaced when the bushes are replaced. I have replaced the inner rear swing arm bushes after having to cut seized adjuster bolts out, it took half a day to cut 2 bolts , remove the swing arms, remove the bushes, fit new bushes and reassemble with new bolts (with anti-seize). We did this without a press and tried to use a 6" vice but we ended up breaking the vice!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but better you go into this with fully informed and prepared.

OJ.

[Richyd]

Thanks OJ. That's what I thought with the rear shocks but just wanted confirmation.

Do you know where you can get the allignment adjustor bolts? I tried looking online but couldn't find the part number and other searches didn't find me anything...

[old Jack]

Thanks OJ. That's what I thought with the rear shocks but just wanted confirmation.

Do you know where you can get the allignment adjustor bolts? I tried looking online but couldn't find the part number and other searches didn't find me anything...

Go to online site for Partsouq, enter you VIN and search for the part numbers, if they do not have the all parts at least you now have the part numbers do do further online searching from other suppliers.

https://partsouq.com/

OJ.

[gemster]

Gee I hope you are not right needing a 20ton press old jack... I just bought a 12ton for the purpose of doing bushes...

We will see what happens...

Gemster...

[chippy4x4]

Thanks all!
Not feeling so great about my decision with the nalothane bushes now (I'm sure they'll be fine). Some of my bushes currently are almost completely gone, so anything has got to be better

Can anyone confirm if there is any type of strut mount for the rear shocks that I should replace (I'm replacing the front ones obviously)?

I assume no one in know's of a good 'how to' for replacing the bushes either?

Don't get disheartened about the type of bushes you have. At the end of the day they will work, and as you said "have to be better than what is there now". Keep an eye on the metal around the bushes and make sure that fatigue cracks don't start. If they do fix them as soon as possible. I have "beefed up" quite a few arms over the years, and anybody who can arc weld would be capable of doing this. If you do find a crack drill a hole at the end, about 3mm drill bit, and then weld the crack. If you can, run some stitch welds as well, you would be amazed how much strength they add. As I said before, the problem with polyurathane bushes is that they have little give when it comes to twisting. But this all depends on your driving and where you drive. ALL IS NOT LOST GRASSHOPPER

[chippy4x4]

Gee I hope you are not right needing a 20ton press old jack... I just bought a 12ton for the purpose of doing bushes...

We will see what happens...

Gemster...

A good trick is to start a few weeks before with the penetrating spray, that way they have a better chance of coming out with a 12 ton press. Believe it or not eucalyptus oil is a really good penetrating fluid, a couple of drops every few days and even stubborn siezed bolts move