Whats the best way to install the rear axle bushings for the upper control arms on a 70 Cutlass?
Do they go from in to out? meaning Do I Install them towards the rear tires?

Greg

 

outside to inside, flanges will face the wheels. Get or make a press, don't use a hammer or you risk distorting the bushing and/or breaking off an ear. You may be able to get away with two big sockets and a piece of all-thread with high pressure grease on the threads.

 

I'm at work so I can't see if the pictures are still there but if you go to my build thread page 1 post 34 I had a picture of how I did it.

 

Tried to put mine in tonight. Rubber one would only go half way in, and that was with 110psi using an air gun. Tried the poly ones, and got the one in eventually, but the gold covering was gone on the other side. Tried the 2nd poly bushing, and gave up after 10 minutes, and got it in about 3/4" and that was using 120psi.

Surface was fairly smooth inside, unless it was some powdercoating on the very edges or something. Hopefully, did not warp anything. I am thinking I should have got some fine sandpaper and smoothed things about some more, especially around the edges.

When I took my 38yr old originals out before, I used only around 80psi. Was tough, but eventually they came out.

 

i used a homemade cup tool w/ allthread to press out the old bushings...

Wrecked a couple of allthreads trying to press the new ones in.. Finnaly got out a little 5 lb slede... couple whacks each and they were in.

Remember they don't go in all the way- only to the ridge on the bushing case!

I have a real balljoint press now, i think if i were to do it again i would try to use that. You can usually rent/borrow one from autopart stores for free (refund). May be worth it.