Call me an idiot, but I suck at identifying suspension parts beyond spring-strut and sway bars-axles... Anyway, I intend to eventually install my Stage 1 LTB and am wondering exactly what bushings I should upgrade... I am assuming that it would be the LCA bushings? FWIW, 2k Max with 113.5k and no bushings or similar parts replaced or upgraded.

 

yup, the Lower Control Arm Bushing. PITA to install though. It's not necessary to replace but recommended. And be ready for them to squeak in cold weather.

 

^ Thanks, that's what I thought! Sheesh, PITA is not something I want to tackle right now. And squeaking in cold weather? As if my suspension needs to make any more noise... Damn front struts and springs have been squeaking slight and getting progressively more noticeable at slow speeds.

 

Most would recommend just picking up a new/used set of LCAs, installing the bushings, then just swapping those out with your current LCAs. I guess you could then try to sell the old LCAs someplace.

 

I've had the same set of ES bushings on my car for over 5 years and they don't squeak. :shrug:

for the eS bushing install, see my writeup I did a while back for the 3rd gen control arms. keep in mind the installation part will be simple- the ES bushings press in by hand or using simple hand tools.. getting the old bushings out is the PITA.
http://blehmco.com/faq/control_arm_b...placement.html

 

mine have never squeaked, and I drive INTO the snow all the time

 

No squeaking here either..

 

hmm....for some reason mine squeaks ever since the first winter it was installed. When it is warm outside...no noise. Maybe bad bushing?

 

i'm guessing this applies for the fourth gen as well?

 

Sweet, thanks! I'll have to decide if/how I want to tackle this... Using the blowtorch to burn out the old bushings looks like fun!

 

Whoever installed the bushings most likely didn't use enough bushing lube,you need to be very generous with the lube before installation,otherwise they will squeak.

 

you can cheat like I did and just pay a machine shop to get the old bushings out and press the new ones in.

If you remove the LCA's yourself, call ahead to make sure they have time, shouldn't take them more than a few hours (including lunch break).

 

This also applies if you have a squeaky girlfriend

 

I knew that one was coming.