Pressing upper control bushing?

2001 DODGE DAKOTA
200,000 MILES • 3.9L • AUTOMATIC
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FLOATR925
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I've pulled both old upper control arm bushings out an pressed 1 side in ok.I have that middlebar in the way now an am having trouble getting the ball joint tool over it correctly..What other options can I try with this type bushing install? I was wondering if a 2 or 3 jaw puller could do it..that middle size cup in the kit won't fit as the part goes around bushing rubber.
Thanks
Sep 14, 2026 at 12:45 PM
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FLOATR925
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Pic
Sep 14, 2026 at 12:50 PM
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FLOATR925
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I tried to load pics but had trouble.

I have access to a vice to use.I tried a different C clamp but can't position it evenly, with that middle mount bar in the way..
Sep 14, 2026 at 1:02 PM
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STRAILER
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The image upload works okay, it would help if I can see what you are doing. I would not use a puller. Most of the time they sell the upper arm complete FYI. Here is how the manual tells you how to do the job.
Sep 15, 2026 at 8:41 AM
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FLOATR925
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Yes that tool has a C shaped top ..all the ones you rent have a O full circular top an can't get down in the inside where that bar is.
Ill get pics
Sep 15, 2026 at 1:05 PM
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FLOATR925
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Still trying to load pic
Sep 15, 2026 at 1:13 PM
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FLOATR925
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....
Sep 15, 2026 at 1:14 PM
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FLOATR925
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..I got mine on a vice to hold it too.
Sep 15, 2026 at 1:18 PM
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STRAILER
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Yes!! nice work, glad to see you got the job done, we are help to help please visit anytime.
Sep 17, 2026 at 11:03 AM
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FLOATR925
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No ..its just a b4 pic...
Sep 17, 2026 at 12:56 PM
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FLOATR925
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I'm still trying to figure out how to get 2nd side pressed
Sep 17, 2026 at 12:57 PM
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STRAILER
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Gotcha, where are you at so far? Can you upload an image?
Sep 18, 2026 at 4:41 PM
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FLOATR925
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I was able to use tge cups from a kit w many cups an changed the 3 jaw puller to a 2 an get one side down really deep..I tried to turn it an got that down to near a penny side opening..a hair higher than tge fully flat side..can I get away with about half all the way down an othet all but that small lip difference?
I've had to go at angles to pressure it ..
Sep 18, 2026 at 7:18 PM
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FLOATR925
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Ill try to get pic but a small bit isn't flat all the way flat around perfectly..though half is all the eay in an other part w a slight grove not pressed as far ..will I have issues if I install it not evenly seated though its flat?
Sep 18, 2026 at 7:22 PM
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FLOATR925
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I think I got the other side down ok ..a hair difference
Sep 19, 2026 at 8:17 AM
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FLOATR925
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Before pic
Sep 19, 2026 at 8:18 AM
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STRAILER
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The new bushing looks like it is in a bind (crooked), this is why it is not going together correctly.
Sep 19, 2026 at 8:47 AM
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FLOATR925
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I repressed in on other sidelet me get another pic
Sep 19, 2026 at 8:56 AM
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FLOATR925
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There was no way to stay fully in the center so it did 1 side more than the other but I turned it to opposite an repressed...
Lemme get pic
Sep 19, 2026 at 8:58 AM
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FLOATR925
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Also ..do I lightly tighten all 4 nuts 2 middle an 2 sides an put weight of truck on it then torque them? An what order an ft 1bs ..is it 155 on middle 2?
Sep 19, 2026 at 9:03 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep, that can be a dance, you want to be bale to install the arm once the bushing are installed. I would tighten as you go, get the arm installed and then tighten everything down.
Sep 19, 2026 at 9:08 AM
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