1996 j30 tension rod bushing

[whatchagonnado]

need to replace the tension rod bushing and the control rod bushing and ball joint driver side.

New control arm cost 301 dollars without tax and shipping. Comes with new bushings and ball joint. I have access to and have experience with hydraulic press.

I have had no luck finding control arm bushing so asking for help locating a set if any are available. Ball joints are available so if I can locate the control arm bushings, I can save a ton of money.

The tension rod bushings are available through a number of suppliers, I prefer Rock Auto. Has anybody done the replacement of the bushing? It seems like a fairly simple procedure just make sure the bushing is pointed in correct position.

Appreciate any help offered. Thanks in advance .

[AZhitman]

The reason they sell those with the bushing and ball joint already installed is because most shops have NO luck swapping them in the original LCA.

I've done a LOT of work on Nissans of that era, and I can assure you, there's no money to be saved. I've bent a couple LCAs trying to press out the BJ, and the bushing shell is equally a PITA (due to the shape of the LCA - it'll crush the arm before the bushing budges). They can be burned out, but the shell still has to come out (which can be cut, but by then, you've spent all day on it). Then you bend the LCA putting the new bushing in.

BTW, do both of them, because if one's bad, the other is right behind it. It's a small investment to do it right.

Tension rod bushings are (I'm almost 100% sure) the same as 300ZX and S14. Easy swap.

I'm gonna let the J faithful chime in, but I could have sworn the Z32 or S14 LCAs were a direct fit on the J30. I'd be tempted to order one just to see!

[AZhitman]

Check this thread, the writer discusses this very issue (deformation of the LCA): topic565567.html

[whatchagonnado]

point well taken. Decided to go the way of new parts. Found two new tension rods for 160 bucks. That is the cost of two bushings and the possibility of bending the arm trying to remove old bushing. Did a double check on the right side. LCA seems solid so will just change out the Tension Rod on that side and watch it close. Drive it about 5,000 miles a year, just around town and no highway. Should outlast me.

Thanks !!

[J30tChumpCar]

Been busy with life...
Had luck changing lower bushings and tension rod briskets , there are 2 size tension bushings depending on year,, I burned out the old lower and replaced with s14 urethane (300x of the same year is also a match)

AZhitman, can you lead me to a part number for replacement ball joints? 10 years racing a J30 an I never figured it out, been running good used with sucess but the supply dwindles every year.

[AZhitman]

No clue, brother. I wouldn't be surprised if they're the same as Z32 or S14, but again, I've never had good luck pressing them out.

[J30tChumpCar]

No clue, brother. I wouldn't be surprised if they're the same as Z32 or S14, but again, I've never had good luck pressing them out.

Have tried both z32 and s14 ball joints, the s14 is smaller @ the shaft, z32 is longer (and after struggling to remove the bushing installed for aluminum spindles) with the wrong taper. I would gladly accept the challenge of changing a balljoint if I had something to try.

Tension rods between j30, q45, s14, z32 , some fit directly,can not remember witch, but can report, all the bushings interchange and do press out provided one figures out if they have small or large first, it seems to be a year related change rather then model.
We have bought both z32 and s14 urethane bushings for the j30

[Raylee88]

Hello, I have a 1995 J30 that I was told needs new Tension Rods Right and Left.

Were you able to find the bushings for yours? And if so would you mind telling me where. My mechanic cannot find the Tension Rods, so we might have to change the bushings. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Trying to start the car up for my daughter's high school graduation. Thanks.