1991 Chevy 1500 Control Arm Bushings

ZFIRSTMAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi,
This is my first time on this site and I thinks it's great. I do have a question though. I Have a 1991 Chevy 1500, 350 5.7 Liter with 265,000 miles and I need to replace all of my upper control arm bushings. I did some research and found out that only 35 series bushings are replaceable and the 15/25 series bushings are welded in place. So My question is, how can i find out which type I have before I invest in anything?
Thanks, Adam
Corpus Christi, Texas

Feb 23, 2007 at 4:21 AM

CHEVY22

✓Experienced Mechanic
1,375 POSTS

if you have the c model rwd only with independent suspesion you can replace the bushings , if you need part #s let me know

Feb 23, 2007 at 4:35 AM

ZFIRSTMAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks, Chevy11
I do have a 2wd with independant suspension,so I guess all I need is some bushings and some elbow grease.

Feb 23, 2007 at 6:24 AM

CHEVY22

✓Experienced Mechanic
1,375 POSTS

do you need help with disassembly ??? if so let me know we will help you out safely

Feb 23, 2007 at 6:38 AM

ZFIRSTMAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks, chevy11
I think as far as as disassemly goes, I have it pretty much figured out. I have the tools, floor jack ,spring compressors, c-clamp and a good old hammer. I'm going to be working on it with a buddy who works at autozone, so between the two of us we should be able to tackle them. I have my always helpful haynes manual and a couple of how to articles for my truck model. Although most jobs always turn out tougher than to be expected, patience is my most valuable tool. Wish me luck. Thanks, Adam

Feb 23, 2007 at 7:29 AM

CHEVY22

✓Experienced Mechanic
1,375 POSTS

you dont really need spring compressors , jack up your first side under the control arm , pull the wheel , grab a hunk of chain and run it through the spring and the hole in the lower control arm and secure it , i use a lcok , this will prevent the spring from taking your head off incase the jack lets go , now jack the frt up more once the spring wont compress anymore on its own you should be safe to start unbolting the upper ball joint , when thats done two bolts on the frame holding the upper to it , make sure you pull the shims out and relace them the same , if you dont you will have alignment issues , one those two bolts are out you pan wiggle the upper control arm off ,remove the center bar , press the bushings out and then back in and reverse , oh and soak every nut and bolt you need to the night before so you dont struggle you can use the spring compressor if you want , i can say i never have but to each his own , good luck and let us know how bad you busted your knuckles , lol

jim

Feb 23, 2007 at 7:38 AM

Suggested Repair

On this 2WD independent-suspension truck, the upper control arm bushings can be replaced. Support the control arm with a jack, remove the wheel, and secure the coil spring with a chain through the spring and lower control arm so it cannot come out. Unbolt the upper ball joint and the two frame bolts, keeping the alignment shims in their original positions. Remove the center bar, press the old bushings out and the new ones in, then reassemble in reverse. Soak the fasteners the night before.

Conversation Summary

Adam has a 1991 Chevy 1500 with 265,000 miles and wants to replace all upper control arm bushings, but is unsure whether his are the replaceable type or welded in place. The expert said bushings can be replaced on a C-model rear-wheel-drive truck with independent suspension. Adam confirmed it is 2WD with independent suspension and planned to do the job with a helper, a Haynes manual, and basic tools. The expert then outlined a safer disassembly method: support and chain the spring, preserve the shims, unbolt the upper arm, and press the bushings out and back in.

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1991 Chevy 1500 Control Arm Bushings

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