Tig

iTrader: (2)

I'm sorry, I should have clarified in the beginning.
Its for an 07 Tahoe

Tig

iTrader: (2)

Putting these alignment bushings in is a f*****g douche.

I think I'll bring them to someone to press in, this rental tool crap is useless. I built my own jig and that's not working either.
All its doing is bending the outer washer and destroying the outer bushing.

My homemade jog bushed out the oe bushings with ease. I wish I could say the same for installing the new ones. Lube and all, s***s a mess.

That's my alignment bushing rant

Off to a shop haha

Tig

iTrader: (2)

It was too late for any shop to press in my bushings, awesome. So, I called a buddy who thankfully has a press. Just got home and the installation of the last two went well and adjusted the first to to the specs from BTs instructions.

This is what gets me. Bell Tech sells these kits but does not state or include in any of the directions about an installation tool, it says "requires specialty tools" and this "The follow steps require special bushing press equipment and should only be performed by a professional with such equipment.".
The BT tool IS needed to install these bushings. OR, you can use a socket that fits the diameter of the inner sleeve to press them in as well.

I'm also not sure if the outer washer is supposed to be removed while pressing in or what. Its not stated in the directions.

Another observation is the bushing itself. It seems rather soft, yes its rubber I know. I'd love to have a better quality bushing in its place. Maybe Poly, if its even available.

Can poly bushings be made for this application?

Atomic

iTrader: (42)

Which kit did you get? I bought a 20ton harbor freight press and replaced the normal jack with an air jack just for this job a few years ago, made it super easy. My bushing kit from belltech came with the pressing jigs.

Tig

iTrader: (2)

I got the kit with just the bushings, no jig or cam plates. BT kit#4955

Is that jig for installation as well as removal?

Its funny because I brought it to my friends house last night who has that press. It worked great.

I ended up ordering new bushings. I was not happy with the install of the first set.
Both outer washers and bushings were damaged. Fixing the washer was not a problem but the bushing is damaged too much and I cant drive around with it in its state and feel good.

Feed

iTrader: (2)

I struggled with the first set i did, second time around it only took 45 minutes. The bushings around .06" larger than the holes in the control arm. Getting them started is the hardest part.

Tig

iTrader: (2)

The second set will be a heck of a lot easier, haha. Especially since I only have to do one control arm.
That's for sure, getting it started was a b***h.
I'll end up getting the tool to make it that much easier.

Tig

iTrader: (2)

Well, here it is after finally getting everything installed. Looks good, hah.


My question is about my alignment.
After the tech spent some time trying to get it to spec, he couldn't get it any better than 0.8 drivers front and 0.7 passenger front. Both boxes are red, not green. I guess I can only post 1 picture at a time.
He mentioned something about the arms being too long and pushing the tire out.

Can someone confirm the need for alignment bushings for a 4" drop?
I might have to grab another set of MOOG uppers and keep the ones with the alignment bushings for if I want to go lower in the future. Though I'll eventually be converting to coil-overs, not sure if they're necessary.

Tig

iTrader: (2)

Here's the alignment sheet


Top was right after drop bottom was after he aligned it.

madmann26

iTrader: (7)

That is weird Tig,

My ecsb is dropped very low and I've never had an issue with an alignment. Hell, the place I go to don't even charge me for the "lowered vehicle" alignment because it's so easy to get into spec. :/