In the middle of pressing my lower control arm bushings in.. Im about to go buy some new ones from the auto store to see if these might be the worng size or just crap.. (dam ebay) anyways i got it about 3/4 the way in and things got tuff real fast..

This is the round bushing not the oval one, i noticednthis morning thatnapon pressing it in i had actualy stretched then tunnel that holds the bushing on the control arm.. Is this supposed to happen

The bushing will fit but at this point i was nervous and removed it, not sure the make ofnthe bushings but i know there not top shelf, perhaps there poorly made and not sized just right, i know its supposed to be tight but if there all going to be like this ill just pay to have it pressed in at a shop!

 

I think we need pictures - can't be sure how much stretching you're talking about.

Actually measuring the dimensions of the part might help, too.
I don't have any new ones around to compare, but someone else probably does.

- Eric

 

You can see the one on the left looks slightly bigger then the one on the right..
015-2.jpg
016-1.jpg
the bushing on the left is the one that i was pressing in... as you can see lol
019-2.jpg

Didnt have my bushings at my local store so i got to do some more hunting or order new ones

what do you think?

 

Well, I can't really see, but I'll take your word for it.

In a general sense, they look like the right bushings, but, of course, you can't see exact dimensions over the interwebs.

It looks like you were a little rough with them.
It is best to press them into place with a C-shaped installer tool, rather than use a sledgehammer. You should be able to borrow the tool from your local chain parts store.
I would also recommend a slight wipe of grease to make them press in easier.

- Eric

 

No, the tunnel is not supposed to stretch. No metal is supposed to bend. If so, you are doing it wrong.
Get Moog parts - A+ in fit and quality.
Here is how I did them. You have to use a spacer to keep the tunnel from collapsing...
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...tml#post295288
It WILL be tough to press them in - your arms will get a workout for sure. I had to use breaker bar on the press, too!

 

ive read your thread thru and thru, its really helped me.. i have the EXACT same c clamp style press you had.. i just didnt use any kind of spacer, the metal to me dose looked stretched a bit. i was useing a 24'' breaker and it was moving alont, just felt like i might have been doing something wrong.. ill be trying again and perhaps go with moog for my lower control arm bushings..

 

i used a ball joing c clamp style press to get them in.. i dont think a sledge would do anymore then bend the hell out of everything

 

Measure the distance of the gap on the other arm and use some big channellocks to bend the other back to match. Then go get some PVC pipe couplers (2" I think I used - its in my thread) and cut them for spacers. Then repeat. Make sure the buching starts into the hole on the other side before really giving it the torque!
Over 10 years I have used Moog parts and had no issues yet. Cost more but well worth it for jobs you just don't want to have to repeat again soon!