RE Short Arms

[trailrunner58]

I have been having problems with the bushings on my control arms (RE short arms) working their way out. These are the rubber bushings at the frame end. I have had them replaced twice in the last two years and it seems that I need to replace them again. This is my third RE lift and I never had an issue with the first two but this one has been problematic when it comes to the bushings. Anybody have any idea what the problem could be? The arms are in good shape and are not that old so I hate to trash them. Once I get through the Tax season (I pay dearly every year) I want to get the RK long arm kit but for now I will have to make due with the ones I have. There on an 01 TJ.

PS Can you deduct Jeep mods on your taxes.

[xFallen]

PS Can you deduct Jeep mods on your taxes.

I bet Nena can. :D


Barry

[Steve]

I bet Nena can. :D


Barry

Actually yes but it must be a recreational vehicle. Me I only put roughly 5k a year on which puts it classified a recreational vehicle. There are other things to consider also such as insurance, if something were to happen! But technically yes it could be a deduction. ;) :D

[danno]

These bushings are stock jeep control arm bushings that are pressed into the control arm ends... They are the same bushings that are used on the first generation long arm kits...

The newer generation long arms use more of a captured bushing, and I am wondering if the newer generation short arms are the same.

I am sure that you would rather not buy new control arms to solve this problem, but there is a solution that I saw some people use for the first generation long arms... drill a couple of holes from the outside of the control arm end and into the steel sleeve that the bushing is bonded to... Then use a couple of sheetmetal screws to keep the bushing in place.

[SavageSun4x4]

Anyone know where you can get OEM bushings at a decent price?

[trailrunner58]

These bushings are stock jeep control arm bushings that are pressed into the control arm ends... They are the same bushings that are used on the first generation long arm kits...

The newer generation long arms use more of a captured bushing, and I am wondering if the newer generation short arms are the same.

I am sure that you would rather not buy new control arms to solve this problem, but there is a solution that I saw some people use for the first generation long arms... drill a couple of holes from the outside of the control arm end and into the steel sleeve that the bushing is bonded to... Then use a couple of sheetmetal screws to keep the bushing in place.


Thanks, I'll give that a try when I replace the bushings.

Don, I think 4 Wheelers supply has them at a reasonable price. I got my first set from RE for free and I think I got the second at 4 wheelers but I can't remember what I paid.

[SavageSun4x4]

Thanks, I'll give that a try when I replace the bushings.

Don, I think 4 Wheelers supply has them at a reasonable price. I got my first set from RE for free and I think I got the second at 4 wheelers but I can't remember what I paid.

Thanks for the info.

[Stu Olson]

Anyone know where you can get OEM bushings at a decent price?
The local 4x4 shops throw the stock arms away by the trash can full unless they keep them to sell to folks running stock arms. :(

Don, when I was running my RE short arm lift, I salvaged a bunch of them from virtually new stock arms. Have given most of them away to other RE owners since installing my TBT lift.

[tjjeepboy]

I have a full set of stock arms laying around, one is brand new

[Renob]

Which bushings do you have. The new style will have a steel center insert, not plastic as shown. The new style arm will have a center grove in the bushing housing.

Old Style rubber bushing (same as stock Jeep bushing)
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/images/tnRE3701.jpg

New Style poly bushing (upper and lower shown)
http://www.rubiconusa.com/images/tnRE3761.jpg

[trailrunner58]

I have the old style bushings. I also have a set of stock arms that are new. I am thinking I will use those bushings as replacements and put the set screws in as mentioned and see if that will work for awhile. It looks to me as if RE had a problem with the bushings and that is the reason they redesigned them. Anyone have any feedback on the Rockrawler long arm kit.

[SavageSun4x4]

The local 4x4 shops throw the stock arms away by the trash can full unless they keep them to sell to folks running stock arms. :(

Don, when I was running my RE short arm lift, I salvaged a bunch of them from virtually new stock arms. Have given most of them away to other RE owners since installing my TBT lift.
Thanks, Yea, bout time to replace my OEM bushing in my JKS arms, they get tired after a while and start squeezing out the sides.