BODY BUSHINGS.....HOW TO??

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PaulRV6

Active Member
Joined
May 25, 2001
Messages
1,691
Hi, I am looking for some direction on first off how to check if I need to replace the body bushings. And if so how many and what is the procedure for replacing them. I am going to have the car up on stands for trans removal so I thought I might as well check these and do them if needed. Where do I buy them also? Thanks

paul
 
Kirbans sells them and I think someone makes a poly kit...use the search function to get some guidance on doing the job. I'm pretty sure kirbans comes with directions and if it has never been done to the car it needs it.
 
If you've never replaced them, they need replacing. The only two trick I know of are to remove the bumpers and the power steering reservoir before lifting the body.

If it's a northern car, you might want to do some research for the tricks to handling broke bolts, stripped holes, and bolts that wont come out.
 
I got mine from Summit. Poly's from Energy Suspension. Lets see if I can remember..

Remove the bumpers (lifting the body will crush the fillers against the bumpers),p/s reservoir (like Earl said also..),the bolt that holds the fuel line to the body in the back above the rear end(line goes from frame to body),tranny linkage (you'll put stress on the pivot). I think there is a brake line bracket that has to be unbolted...?

I used 4 scissors jacks under the rocker panels. Two each side with a 2x4 resting in the channel,full length. Had bottle jacks with 2x6's here and there under the body. Meanwhile the frame was lifted about 1ft,and jackstands placed in each corner.

Did the whole job in the middle of Upstate NY winter in my rented,carpeted garage. Luckily everything came apart with only a 3/8 ratchet. (no rust!)

The body has to be lifted about 3 inches.

If yours are stock,they are probably split and shot. The ones under the door-striker area (position 3)will be missing because GM didn't put them in. Mine had a top part and a bolt,but no lower under the head of the bolt. lol

Body bushings are sometimes called body cushions,in case you Search. Kirbans sells rubber ones.

It took me forever. But,everything is straight and correct. Take your time and do it right the first time. It's not hard. ...just time consuming since I did it myself. No Earl to help.
gnxbshng.jpg
 
oh yeah, when you set the body back down on the frame make the rear wheel wells centered with the frame. That's the only way to get big tires back there with minimal rubbing.

On the front you can shift the nose left and right to make the body lines square with the hood. Make sure it won't hit before you slam the hood and knock some paint off.
 
Don't forget to install GNX Location #5 while you're at it.
 
And it might not hurt to have a few repair washers on hand - just in case.
But - those really need to be welded in.
Even the southern cars experience an occasional rot through of varied bushing holes.
 
If you install the missing bushings your car may ride pretty firm on long trips. You will notice every bump in the road at 70 mph. I'm thinking of removing some of my bushings to get the new car ride back again, the way the Buick gods intended it to be.
 
If you install the missing bushings your car may ride pretty firm on long trips. You will notice every bump in the road at 70 mph. I'm thinking of removing some of my bushings to get the new car ride back again, the way the Buick gods intended it to be.


Just like Grandma used to make? :D
 
I did this within the last year. There is a good thread on it if you search. It talks about all the techniques used. As they all said above take your time. It took me almost all day and it was kind of a pain to figure out. As is true many times it would be a lot easier the second time. The trick was to tie the frame down to the lift. Also be very careful with your bumper fillers


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Hit those suckers with pb blaster a week ahead of time, and again before taking them out!
 
Is there a procedure that someone wrote to do this? I need to think this thru before I go ahead.

paul
 
I have the Prothane kit and look forward to the ride difference as my stock rubber bushings are torn.

Arizona car with 91k miles. Hopefully no surprises.




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