Explorer radius arm bushings
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 942
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From: South Texas
Explorer radius arm bushings
I ordered a set of the red poly from JC Whitney online. Price was reasonble and shipment was prompt. They have been on for about 2 years now and seem to perform well. Only time will tell however.
Dialtone
Dialtone
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 942
Likes: 0
From: South Texas
Explorer radius arm bushings
Assuming they have not been replaced before, the most difficult part of the task is removing the cross frame support at rear of radius arm. The supports are attached to frame runners with both bolts AND rivets. To remove, the rivets must be chiseled/ground or torched off, then replaced with bolts. If inspection reveals previous work and all bolts are present, the job is not too difficult and requires about 1-1/2 hours per side, or less if air tools are available. Before removing, block the front wheels so they cannot move foreward, and try not to lift the vehicle too much. This makes re-assembly much easier and keeps the radius arm in relative position to allow easier re-assembly. You may need a small floor jack to help lift radius arm back into position for reassembly. Check for presence of a heat shield on the front half of the right side bushing adjacent to the cat converter. If not present, get one and install it now as it deflects cat heat from bushing.
Dialtone
Dialtone
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 886
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
Explorer radius arm bushings
I got mine at Autozone for about $15 each. I didn't take off the cross member. Pulled the wheel forward an inch after removing sway bar frame bushings. Cut the old bushing off, slit the new bushing to the center and slid the new one on. Crude but it has lasted 70K even with large chunks of metal missing from the mount. Only real work is getting the nut off if you don't have an air wrench.
Explorer radius arm bushings
