I'm working on the RS Speed rack & pinion conversion, trying to install the rear lower control arms, with bushings, in the rear lower control arm mounting brackets, with no success. The bushings are too wide for the opening (see pictures), and I have been totally unsuccessful at compressing them enough. I did get one of them installed before it dawned on my that I didn't have the steel sleeve installed, but have had no success with the sleeve installed. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Rich

 

Rich,

I measured some bushings here and the head looks like about 1/2" thick. The spacer is 2.2" long. Make sure our bracket has not sprung in - by seeing if the spacer will fit.

-billy

 

You can do two things. Get a duckbill spreader and slightly open up the tangs that the arm fits into, or trim the bushings a bit. I did both. Dead blow mallets are also handy.

 

Thanks guys...spreading the sides of the bracket was the key. Billy suggested this to me the other day and I just couldn't believe they would spread that far. Sorry.

Rich

 

Hey Rich -
so you got the R&P kit?! Hope you keep us wannabees posted with pics and details!
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Just a heads up you're going to have the same issue with the front control arms as well. I ended up trimming a bit of the bushing off with a razor and it fit like a glove....

 

Yea, I know...I'll have to tackle that after I replace the ball joints and get a new coat of paint on the control arms.

Thanks,
Rich