I am about to change out the bushings and lower ball joints on my 91 hatch. Does anyone know if skunk 2 makes lower control arms for an ef9 bc I went on their website and it didn't look like they do. Also, what would be easier, if you guys have done this job, buying aftermarket bushings and replacing the stock ones, or buying new o.e. lower control arms with bushings already installed? What other suspension components should I replace while I'm down there? All that I have changed are the struts, coilovers, and camber kit. Thanks for any help.

 

When you say lower control arms are you referring to the front or rear? You make mention of the lower ball joints so I'd guess you are referring to the front but I'd rather not assume. Also, do you actually have an SiR? I don't think it makes a difference but you never know.

As for which is easier, think about it. One way takes more effort so which sounds easier? More effort or less effort?

 

It is for the front. I should have worded my questions better. Haha It is obvious that less effort it's easier. I have a B16 swap if that's what you mean by SiR.

 

No I mean do you have an actual SiR since your question ask about EF9 suspension. Now that people know you DO NOT have an EF9 people can answer your question more accurately.

I've honestly never seen anyone ask about aftermarket front lower control arms, only uppers. Maybe you can look into Hardrace or Prothane bushings (or similar) for your arms if you don't want to buy complete OEM replacement arms. If your front camber correction is done via adjustable bolts, you may want to replace the upper arm bushings and ball joint. If you replaced it with a complete arm you probably don't need to since most come with new bushings and ball joint.


Sounds like you already replaced everything else so that should be it while you have everything apart. Maybe you want to look at your front wheel bearings to see if they need to be replaced.

 

Cool, thanks man.

 

Just a heads up, if you google "hardrace" the link isn't to the company I was referring to. Here's the link just in case you need it www.buyhardrace.com

 

Cool, I bought me a set of their lower control arm bushings. I also got the u.c.a. bushings.
2 more questions, what kind of ball joints (upper and lower) do you recommend? This is the camber kit that I have. Would you recommend that I get adjustable ball joints or would normal ball joints be fine? And also what brand?

 

Sounds like you are going to use a press to remove/replace the bushings?

I just replaced everything underneath the car (e.g. brakes, suspension, exhaust, converter, swaybar) a few months back so the car rides like it is 1990 again! I was not convinced that aftermarket LCA/UCA are better than a factory setup so I went with a combination of MOOG and factory OEM. Could not be happier.

 

Your brake and suspension setup looks awesome. That's exactly how I want my car to drive, like it's 1991 again. I'm not looking forward to the bushing installation. I might just buy me a pair of Moog LCA with the bushings already installed. Thanks

 

Thank you.

Even if you have a press, it is fun to find the pieces necessary to set up the old LCA so its level to press out the old bushing. You may pay a little extra for the new arm and bushings, but you are saving yourself time.

RockAuto had some very competitive prices on the arm with the bushings already pressed in and ready to go. If ou go RA, dont forget to plug in the current 5% off coupon code.

On the rear LCA, I could not locate an acceptable alternative so I went to Honda and bought new rear LCAs with the bushing ready to go. Caution though, I think inventory levels are going down.

This way, I have two sets for future reference. When I know these LCAs are wearing down, perhaps I will spend the time to press out the bushings in the off-duty LCAs and get them ready to go.

 

Thanks for the heads up on the 5% off coupon. I think Rock Auto is the direction I'll go.

 

My pleasure! Glad I could help.