The bushing upgrade on the modified stock ones was a good idea, though not feasible for the $$$ they were wanting for them. Yes you were paying for quality, but I guess coming from somebody who knows what parts cost, and what it takes to do...they were a little on the cha-ching side for my tastes.

To keep the costs down I was even tempted to send in my set, and have him modify them, and send them back...but that was not even worth it to me.

I figure a POLY bushing upgrade would be a wise choice to go with. but somebody shot that idea down cause it was too easy of a fix. If we can have upper POLY motor mounts made affordable and actually work and serve a purpose...why not make replacements for the LCA?

~F~

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So did you just replace your bushings with stock ones?

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1997 GTP - 200k+ miles, PEMs, 3" SS Exhaust w/ Borla Mufflers, 3.4", 180* stat(summer), FWI, 1.84 RR, PT, SLP hood, KYB GR2s, GMPP Handling Kit, etc...

Yup...thats all that was out there when I did mine up. back before anybody thought about full welding them up to prevent flex.

But...the ones that came out, were pretty shot, so replacing them, made things nice and stiff right away.

~F~

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How hard is it to get those bushings out. And if the seam welding prevents flex (not questioning that it does) is there anything I can look for in my LCA's that would tell me if it had or is flexing?

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Scotty Hall
Bartlesville, OK
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it.

The only limitation you will ever face in life is yourself!

Are they hard to get out?

Nothing that a 12 ton arbor press cannot handle. About the same amount of force or pressure needed for these as if you were pressing out the upper motor mount for example.

As for the replacement bushings, many GM dealerships say its a non-serviceable part, and the whole unit must be replaced, but if you did a little deeper, you can get the individual parts to construct one. My dad has a master catalog showing every single part and its number is how I found mine. Did the same for the sub frame/engine cradle.

Not sure if the welding does prevent it, but it surly couldn't hurt for the way I drive ya know. As for knowing or seeing signs of flex, not sure what to look for honestly. I would say creased paint, obvious bends...but that wont get you far, since these are normally painted pretty crappy and not 100% true from the factory since they are stamped/pressed to shape, and then tack welded together...every so many inches.

All I did was finish up the welding they didn't do, or want to do, and then gave them a nice powder coated finish so for one, easy to clean, and 2 easy to spot cracks, or wear and tear if that does happen.

~F~

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I think if you can tell it flexed by looking, it needs to be replaced

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Steve
'97 GTP VS cam, ZZP PCM, and not much else yet

Thanks farnsworth. And very good point archemedes. Farns, can I ask you for the part numbers to the bushings for the LCA's and for the cradle. On the cradle and LCA's I want to replace any and all facets of the bushings, washers or anything of the like that I can replace while Im there. I cant see dropping the cradle and and not servicing the thing completely. Might as well do it all while Im in there.

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Scotty Hall
Bartlesville, OK
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it.

The only limitation you will ever face in life is yourself!

I'll snag my dads book from him Monday when I pass through his town when I finish up with my route working for you.


~F~

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GM Part numbers for the sub-Frame rubber bushings/inserts:

spacer, front body bolt (good for both right and left) = 10249634
spacer rear body bolt (good for both right and left) = 10249631

cushion, front body bolt (good for both right and left) = 10249632
cushion rear body bolt (good for both right and left) = 10249638

If you want to replace the bolts for the sub-frame:

Bolt front body (good for R&L) = 10403403
Bolt rear body (good for R&L) = 10410940

If you want to replace the bolt retainers (the big washers):

Bolt retainer front cushion (good for R&L) = 10203412
Bolt retainer rear cushion (good for R&L) = 10203413

Front lower control arms:
arm assy, Lwr Cont 97-00 R/L = 10257535-4
" " 01+ R/L = 10301552-1

^those numbers above are for the complete arm with bushings, the book shows them separate/removed diagram but does not list any part numbers for the bushings separate. I thought it did, my bad. But if you go to the dealership, I am more than sure they can dig them up separate for you, they did for me, thats how I got mine. But its been so long ago since I bought and installed them, the receipt is long gone by now easy.

~F~

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maybe im funny... but napa sells the LCA bushings, too