What would I be able to accomplish more of with, a 12 ton shop press or 20 ton shop press..?? I'm doing all my suspension bushings hopefully this weekend and i want to just go buy my own press instead of going to Pep Boys or something and waiting forever and payin out the ***.... If you guys kno wassup, just drop me some feedback so i have a better idea on what to buy...?? Also, what all jobs can be done with a shop press other than bushings..?? thanx

 

The 12-ton is likely to be iffy for removing the bushings. The 20 ton is much more likely to work. Here is what I found:

I replaced the bushings in all my 1991 Civic's lower control arms a few years ago, by hand with various homemade tools and without a press. It was very labor intensive. Then again, I weigh around 125 pounds and as a woman have poor upper body strength compared to guys. On the net at the time, I read one report that a 12-ton press will not always remove the bushings. Based on my hands-on experience, calculations, and research on the net, the 20 ton press is the safest bet.

I have a long writeup with some photos at http://honda.lioness.googlepag...emove . See especially the "Lessons Learned" section of this site, where I talk about my estimates of how many tons of force are needed.

An update would be welcome. I am thinking of doing my new used 93 Civic's bushings next year.

I can say that the ride of my 205k mile 1991 Civic was consistently far superior to any of the maybe 20 or so 1993 or older Civics I test drove recently while shopping for a second Civic this past summer. I had had doubts my 91 Civic's suspension rebuild was worth it. No more.

 

Sweet, preciate the feedback homegirl... i'm thinkin that a 20T might be more handy too, an its only 60 more bucks... I just got a bonus check from work so im in the mood to splurge a lil ya feel me haha, thanx for the response tho ima go peep ur link right now... be easy...

 

I can think of worse things to blow a wad on. A man's wealth is measured by how many toys he has when he dies, after all. Where you thinking of buying the press from? I was looking at Harbor Freight's 12- and 20-ton presses a few years ago. They go for around $150 and $250 today.

 

any updates? what did you end up buying and how did it work out?

 

i found a 20T on craigslist locally for $50 picked up, so i went & snatched it up and used it couple times already, working great... i've only got to do suspension bushings and wheel bearings but thats all i really needed it for anyways...