While doing some other work on my '03 I noticed my UCA bushings were dry rotted so I decided it was time to replace them. Removed the drivers side and purchased new from Motorcraft. The new one won't go back in. the rear bushing goes back into the mount just fine but the front is like a hair too big. Do I need to somehow compress the bushing? I almost destroyed a vise yesterday trying to do that. also I'm way, WAY past being able to return these things back to the dealer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Are they original control arms? Some of the aftermarket (Chinese) companies use their own bushings.

 

Original. Made in Canada.

 

Vasoline and a press are commonly used for this. There's plenty on youtube for installing CA bushings without a press for your truck.

 

The bushings are already installed. My issue is it doesn't fit in the mount on the frame of the truck.

 

Dumb question maybe but if you take the arm back out can you then put the front on and have the same problem with the rear?

 

When flipped it still doesn't fit




Front bushing not fitting

Rear bushing fits just fine

HD pic of the first one.

 

Does the issue follow the bushing or the bracket/mount on the frame?

 

My guess is bushing since the mount is welded to the frame. I'm going to order a new bushing and hope that it fits.

 

Maybe it's just me or maybe it's just the perspective of the picture but the left side of the mount looks bent in the last picture.