GR8WHTZ

I'm just wondering how you check the spherical bushing in the front LCA for wear? How hard are these to replace? Is it worth upgrading to 1LE control arms?

Dave

LT4Firehawk

The 1LE parts are being phased out by GM, even if you order the correct part number, you will most likely get standard parts. They are not easy to replace, you basically have to disassemble the entire front suspension to get them out, so you really want to do everything you can at that time (shocks, springs, upper A arms, etc).

Z28barnett

You don't have a spherical bushing in the lower control arm. You have a ball joint at the bottom of the steering knuckle and a rubber bushing at the front and back.

You can still get 1LE control arms, I did a few months ago. The springs are not available. You can't let them cross the partnumbers over or you will get stock. They ride alot stiffer you hear every impact. They will phase out the partnumbers soon, at least thats my impression.

1LE Front Left Lower Control Arm (GM p/n 52367658) (arm complete with bushings and Ball Joint) $112.72

1LE Front Right Lower Control Arm (GM p/n 52367659) (*Note: Order special castle nut for each arm) $112.72

1LE Front Left Upper Control Arm (GM p/n 22204674) (arm complete with bushings and Ball Joint) $113.28

1LE Front Right Upper Control Arm (GM p/n 22204675) (arm complete with bushings and Ball Joint) $113.28

You can also get just the 1LE bushings.

1LE Front Lower Control Arm Front Bushing (GM p/n 22145392) $15.54

1LE Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing (GM p/n 22156434) $35.77


1LE Rear Lower Control Arm Bushings (GM p/n 10164152) (4 required, bushing only) $8.40

The ball joint would have to be pressed out after you grind off the rivets on the upper arm. The lower arm I think is a press fit only.

I bought arms, to avoid the press work, and ball joint hassle. This is a major job, nothing easy about it.

Guggi97_RA

Z28barnett,
Do you have a part number for that castle nut that you mentioned for the front lower control arms?

ALso, what is the difference between a stock bushing control arm, and the 1LE control arm?

Adam G

LT4Firehawk

The 1LE control arms are actually just standard control arms but have stiffer bushings in them.

Guggi97_RA

The reason I asked, is that I just ordered MOOG bushings for the from control arms. SOunds like a total pain in the butt to replace the bushings. I would much rather simply replace the entire arm.. Dont you guys agree? Or are the MOOG bushings better than 1LE BUSHINGS?

Adam G

LT4Firehawk

1LE bushings are going to be the best bushings for handling, although you may sacrifice a little bit of ride quality (probably not noticeable in reality). And yes, doing just the bushings is a pain. If you are talking about the rear control arms, then replacing the whole arm is much easier. If you're talking about the front, it's going to be a real pain to replace the whole arm, but still easier than pulling the arms and replacing the bushings.

Guggi97_RA

I am talking about the fronts. I have bushings on the way for the rear as well.

I have to replace shocks and put my 1Le springs back in the car anyway in the next week. Tired of these Hotchkis lowering springs!!

Taking the front lower control arms off isn't that much more difficult while I have it apart anyway?? Is it?

ADam G

Guggi97_RA

Do you have part numbers for the 1Le rear control arms?

Adam G

Z28barnett

* All 1LE bushings are solid rubber with no cut away areas and no star shaped bushings. They should have a blue paint dot on the arms. If you see cut areas or star shaped bushing they are not 1LE parts.

Not sure the nut is needed, but the one listed below will work. Good idea to replace it anyway.

1LE Rear Lower Control Arm (GM p/n 10164151) (2 required, arm complete with bushings) $54.30 2 $108.60 $10.86 $130.32

1LE Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Special Nut (GM p/n 10254330) $2.19 2 $4.38 $7.95 $20.28

1LE Front Lower Control Arm Front Bushing (GM p/n 22145392) $15.54 1 $15.54

1LE Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing (GM p/n 22156434) $35.77 1 $35.77


1LE Rear Lower Control Arm Bushings (GM p/n 10164152) (4 required, bushing only) $8.40 4 $33.60

Z28

NBred94

In my re-bushing experience, the lower front control arm was a severe pain to deal with. I put in Prothane poly bushings, though, and that design has a two piece vertical bushing (the front one) that looks about 1/2" too thick to fit back in the mounting slot. I used alot of grease and a four pound sledge to beat the thing into submission. In hindsight, it would have definitely been worth just getting new arms altogether. I'm not positive that they would go in much easier, but it couldn't have been much worse.

Oh, and lining the shocks back up on the LCA was not any fun either. I wish anyone who attempts this the best of luck, and lots of patience.