Control Arm Bushings

[IdahoJeeper]

Hi everyone! Purchased a 1996 XJ earlier this fall, have been going though it tightening and tuning. The previous owner installed a Pro Comp 4in lift, then proceeded to add 2" pucks at the coils and 2" blocks at the springs. This was way too high for the drivelines and I was getting terrible vibes. Also, he didn't bother getting it aligned afterward, so the new set of General Grabbers had the front two destroyed. I have taken out the extra 2 inches, will be installing the 1 inch transfer case drop soon.

However, there's still this one thing: as I drive on the highway, occasionally I'll get this clunk sound right under my feet. It usually happens when starting into a corner as the weight of the vehicle shifts to one side. I looked at the control arm bushings and it appears the front bushing on the right upper arm needs replaced, but I can't see the ends up by the body to tell if they're shot. In looking for replacement part, sellers are saying 'each arm requires one bushing,' but the arm has two ends doesn't it? Does that mean I have to replace the whole arm if the rear bushings are bad, and how can I tell if they are bad?

Thanks!

[Saudade]

Last time I looked mine had 2 ends.

If you're going to replace one end, you should do both. In fact, changing all of them ain't a bad idea. Just do one link at a time.

Quadratec has complete sets of 8 (4 upper and 4 lower) for about $60.

[IdahoJeeper]

Thanks Saudade! The upper and lower thing is what had me confused, since there are upper and lower control arms too.

So (I'm not TRYING to be stupid - it comes natural) if I understand this correctly, the ends that connect to the front axle are the LOWER bushings and the ones that connect to the body/frame are the uppers...?

Thanks! - IdahoJeeper

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by IdahoJeeper

if I understand this correctly, the ends that connect to the front axle are the LOWER bushings and the ones that connect to the body/frame are the uppers...?

No.
The lower bushings are the ones on the lower (longer ) control arm. The bushings at each end of the arms are identical.

The upper bushings are on the upper (shorter) control arms. The bushings at each end of these arms are identical but are a different size than the ones used on the lower arms.

That being said, I do not want to add to the confusion here, but likely your control arms are not stock.

Most 4 inch lifts use different control arms than stock. Sometimes its just the lower arms that are different, sometimes all 4.

Usually these lift kit arms do not use stock bushings, so those from Quadratech may not fit.

Check and see what they are first. If you are not sure, can you post some pictures, so we can help identify them.

The manufacturer for the lift kit might be able to supply new bushings.

[Saudade]

Whoops! Thank MR. I read he had a lift kit but it musta went in one side and out the other.

[IdahoJeeper]

You're right Magic, the lower arms were replaced with the lift, but the uppers are still stock. So I have stock upper arms, and given the clunks and visibly worn bushings at the axle, I assume I should get 4 upper control arm bushings...?

[baum430]

Originally Posted by IdahoJeeper

You're right Magic, the lower arms were replaced with the lift, but the uppers are still stock. So I have stock upper arms, and given the clunks and visibly worn bushings at the axle, I assume I should get 4 upper control arm bushings...?

don't forget to look over the track bar ends they do go bad when you lift
these trucks and this will cause truck to move from side to side. i would look over all steering parts up front to be sure. if you don't know, then take it to a alingment shop.

[IdahoJeeper]

Pretty sure the track bar was replaced with the lift...

[AlohaBra]

How about the track bar? I have had those make "cluncks".

[IdahoJeeper]

Track bar looks good, like I say, I think it was part of the lift...

I ordered four upper control arm bushings from Quadrtc, when I get them in I'll let you all know if we're better...