Replace the radius arm bushings on the front suspension, which connect the radius arms to the frame and axle, improving ride quality and handling by eliminating worn rubber bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm bushing kit (both sides) × 2 — Use OEM specification or Moog K3134

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray all radius arm mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front sway bar links
   Disconnect the sway bar links from the radius arms on both sides. Use an Allen key to hold the stud while removing the upper nut. This provides clearance for radius arm removal.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support front axle assembly
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the front differential to support the axle assembly weight. Raise jack until it just contacts the differential housing, providing support but not lifting the vehicle.
   ⚠Axle must remain supported throughout the procedure to prevent damage to brake lines and other components.
3. 3

   Remove radius arm-to-axle mounting bolts
   Locate the radius arm mounting bolts at the front axle housing. Remove the nuts and bolts securing the radius arm to the axle bracket. These are large bolts that may require significant force. Mark the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
   ⚠Bolts may be corroded and require heat or additional penetrating oil. Do not use torch near brake components or rubber bushings.
4. 4

   Remove radius arm-to-frame mounting bolts
   Locate the radius arm mounting bolts at the frame rail bracket. Remove the nuts and bolts securing the radius arm to the frame. The arm may need to be pried or persuaded with light taps from a mallet once fasteners are removed. Note the position and orientation of all washers and spacers.
   ℹ️Frame bolts are often severely corroded on vehicles from rust-prone areas. Plan for potential bolt replacement.
5. 5

   Remove radius arm from vehicle
   With both mounting points disconnected, carefully remove the radius arm from the vehicle. The arm is heavy and awkward to maneuver. Inspect the mounting points on the frame and axle for damage, corrosion, or cracks that may need repair.
   ⚠Radius arms weigh approximately 30-40 lbs each and can cause injury if dropped.
6. 6

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriately sized bushing removal tools, press the old bushings out of the radius arm. Apply pressure evenly and slowly. The bushings may be bonded to the metal sleeve and require significant force. Clean the bushing bore thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage or distortion.
   ⚠️Wear safety glasses during pressing operations. Bushings can fail explosively under pressure.
   ℹ️Some bushings have a bonded inner sleeve that must be removed separately. Check service manual for your specific bushing design.
7. 7

   Install new bushings
   Position the new bushing in the radius arm bore with proper orientation (check for any markings indicating front/rear or up/down). Using the hydraulic press and installation tools, press the new bushing into place until it is fully seated and flush with the arm. Apply light coating of dish soap or bushing installation lubricant to ease installation. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants.
   ⚠Ensure bushing is oriented correctly before pressing. Incorrect orientation will cause premature failure.
8. 8

   Reinstall radius arm to frame
   Position the radius arm to the frame mounting bracket, aligning the bushing with the mounting bolt hole. Install the frame mounting bolt with all washers and spacers in their original positions, but do not torque yet. Thread the nut on finger-tight to hold the arm in position.
   ℹ️Radius arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle at normal ride height to prevent bushing wind-up and premature failure.
9. 9

   Reinstall radius arm to axle
   With the frame end loosely installed, align the axle end of the radius arm with the axle bracket. Install the axle mounting bolt with all washers and spacers in their original positions. Thread the nut on finger-tight. Verify both ends are properly aligned before proceeding.
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar links
    Reconnect the sway bar links to the radius arms. Hold the stud with an Allen key while tightening the nut to prevent spinning. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Install the front wheels and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded.
12. 12

    Torque radius arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle at normal ride height (wheels on ground but not yet fully lowered off jack stands), torque the radius arm mounting bolts at both the frame and axle ends. Torque the frame end first, then the axle end. Use a torque wrench and follow proper tightening sequence.
    ⚠If bolts are torqued with suspension hanging, bushings will bind and fail prematurely. Vehicle must be at ride height.
    ℹ️Specific torque values for radius arm bolts are not provided in the database. Consult factory service manual for correct specification, typically 250-350 ft-lb.
13. 13

    Final wheel installation
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Torque all wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1-13 for the opposite side radius arm if replacing both sides. It is strongly recommended to replace radius arm bushings in pairs to maintain balanced suspension performance.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued, especially radius arm bolts which must be torqued at ride height
2. Inspect sway bar link connections for proper engagement
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or suspension area

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and verify vehicle tracks straight
• Inspect all mounting points after 50-100 miles of driving for proper torque retention
• Have front end alignment checked and adjusted as radius arm bushing replacement will affect caster and camber settings

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