Can't get the stock subframe bushings out

[Toddles82]

Ok, I've tried a manual hydrolic press, heating my acetlyne torch, hammer, sledge hammer, screw driver, chisel, dremel, and just about everything I can think of.

1.) heating....didn't work2.) hammer/sledgehammer with chisel/screwdrive to pry/push out...negative3.) manual press...starting bending the frame itself....4.) Dremel...metal was soft enough to cut, but progress was slow and risky..cut the frame in some places.

I'm trying to put the solid Aluminum replacements in, and I can't get the stock ones out for the life of me.

Suggestions????

I think my only option at this point is to have it taken to a machine shop and hop they can do it, though I'm sure I'll get reemed in the price.

TIATodd

[96_S14_SE]

Dont just heat them, burn them out... Itll take a while but they will come out.

[Toddles82]

you mean use the acetlyne (sp?) torch and cut them out?

EDIT FOR CLARITY: When I say I can't get the bushings out, I am referring to the metal sleeve. The rubber obviously burns right away, but the metal sleeve is hanging in their like a fat kid to a chocolate bar.

[96_S14_SE]

Oh, then I would go the dremel route. You said you hacked into the collar of the subframe, so you have 2 options. You could dremel very carefully into the sleeve at 2 places 180° from each other. Go about 3/4 of the way through the sleeve and then use a chisel or old sharp flathead screw driver and finish the cut with that and a hammer. Or you could use the dremel and a hacksaw, or just a hacksaw alone. Just take the blade out, put it through the hole, and reattach to the saw that way.

A sawsall is another nice option as well.

[Toddles82]

The hacksaw option sounds good, but the problem is, the only part that gets removed is the part that is cut. We tried to cut into the collar with the dremel and then hammer\chisel a section out, but didn't budge.....

[EastCoast240]

you mean use the acetlyne (sp?) torch and cut them out?

EDIT FOR CLARITY: When I say I can't get the bushings out, I am referring to the metal sleeve. The rubber obviously burns right away, but the metal sleeve is hanging in their like a fat kid to a chocolate bar.

Burn the sleeves out with the torch. That's how I got all mine out. Should be easy if you know how to use a torch.

[Toddles82]

ok...so cut them with the torch. Not sure I can be that precise with it (never used one for cutting). We turned it heat the metal not so much to cut. I'll see if I can talk to my friend into letting me use the dealer's torch again. Sounds like I'm gonna have to pay a shop to cut them out tho. Not sure I trust Mr. Rigs Everything Up (friend) to cut those out.

Thank You for your replies.

[apoorboy]

ToddDid you ever get your sub frame bushings out?what seemed to be the problem i know the suspension looked cleen when we disassembled it. If yours dosent go well I might not do mine.laterz

[Toddles82]

Actually yes I did, I just got my subframe back today.

The sleeve is actually 3 layers of metal that are folded to a lip on each side. Like I said earlier, I wasn't gonna fight it so I paid a local shop $90 to cut them out. He also smoothed out the area and all. I thought 90 was a little high to do it, but my options were limited so I paid the man.

I will be installing the bushings tomorrow, tho I don't anticipate any problems.

Where in OK are you? Bartlesville here.

[apoorboy]

what a coincidence I live in bartlesville to. Take a closer look at my last post and you will know who I am.later

[Toddles82]

lol Marcus?!