99 xj 4x4
I just replaced my drivers side axle bushing. I used a press to get the new bushing in. I'm alittle nervous about pressing out/in the passenger side bushing bc the mount is just thin metal that I can see bending in on itself. Any creative ways to get this done without distorting the mount?

 

Yeah, put a spacer in the gap formed by the 2 side of the arm to support them. You can use a block of wood, but make sure it's a hardwood, not pine! If you're really good, you can use a piece of tubing or pipe cut away on one side and cut to the proper length. My buddy used iron pipe and cut it in half lengthwise, putting the 2 pieces around the bushing.

 

Try sticking the bushing in the freezer overnight. Then use grease all around. With a little luck it will go in.

Of course, if the bushing in the wrong size, it will not. Make sure you have the correct part.

 

Thanks. With your advice I did a little research and found this. For 15 bucks I'll weld this in before I press out the bushing it should be enough support to not let it bend. Also adds a good amount of strength to the mount.
https://www.barnes4wd.com/TJ-LJ-MJ-X...set_p_850.html

 

I freeze mine overnight then use a 3lb mini sledge to drive them in. Works great.

 

Howd you get the old one out without damaging the mount. Did you reinforce the channel/gap as well.

 

I just did this job the other day. To get the old bushing out, I pressed the inner sleeve out. Then I took a sawzall and cut the rubber out. Then used a air chisel to get the outer shell out. Took 10 minutes. No damage to the mount at all.
To reinstall, I froze and greased the bushing as mentioned. Then used a ball joint press. I did have a aluminum block that I stuck in the gap to keep it from compressing to much.

The hardest part was using the large bj press under the Jeep. If I do it again I will use a smaller bushing press. If your axle is out it will make it much easier.

 

Air chisel for the win. I cant freaking believe I ever did these with a press. Literally just shot the whole bushing out in 2 seconds without even worrying about the center sleeve

 

Great, I’m glad it worked for you.
I have always cut the rubber out first. Maybe have been wasting my time with that step.
I will have to try not cutting it out next time.

 

The rubber was so disintegrated on mine that it fell out. I then took a Sawzall and cut the cup out. Jeep #2 I paid a mechanic down the street $40 to replace them both. Option #2 was so much easier.

 

I hear you on option #2.

I have trust issues though. That and I worked in service departments for many years. I have seen some really bad mechanics.
So I stubbornly still do all my own work except alignments. It’s good if you have someone you trust.

 

He's a relative of my GF that owns his own shop. I do all alignments myself and don't trust anyone to do those. I haven't paid for an alignment in 15 years and my 33" and 35" tires are too expensive to take chances on it being "close enough".

 

I have had a great alignment guy locally for 30 years. Unfortunately he retired recently and closed his shop.
I may have to start doing my own also.

You are right about the cost of tires. Especially oversized. Crazy how expensive they have gotten.