So I went to put on my new struts and of course all the bolts are rusted to the bushing sleeves. So Im going to cut the bolts out and replace the LCA's. My question is, which brand to buy ? I found stock replacements for 74.99 and I found skunk2 for 209.00 but also find many diffrent brands on Ebay for only 100 or so ?? I know skunk products are good but 200 is a lil high. Anyone have any recomendations, please ??

 

I have a 99 civic and had to do the same thing to mine. I broke 5 of the bolts off, and had to cut it all out. It was a mess. When doing that i found that one of the LCAs was bent and needed a new one. I found it was cheaper to buy a new set of arms with the bushing allready installed then to buy another stock arm and bushings for them. I bought a set of big fat Blox arms for 100$ and that included the bushings.

 

where did you get them ? Also when I was looking at the skunks it says you have to use longer bolts ? Did you have to use longer bolts for those ?

 

stay away from the blox arms, the bushings in them are known to wear out in a matter of weeks. I hear the new skunk2 bushings are good. I also hear good things about Function7

 

This guy is correct.

The first time you remove the bolts, it can be a PITA as many have been there for years and years, and have seized to the bushing. Have replacement LCA bolts just in case. Using an impact gun helps alot, too.

I have had Blox and currently run Skunk2's (w/ the "new" bushings). I purchased both on eBay, brand new. Blox bushings are junk (just like many other knock-off things). Installed, 6 months later the bushings are destroyed. Ordered replacement bushings from Blox, within 3 months, same thing. Yes, I did pre-load the suspension, too.

I finally got sick of the clunking noise (metal sleeve holding the bolt hitting the LCA), and bought Skunk2's. Love them. The bushings show zero wear after a month, compared to Blox where I could ripping starting after a month.

The only advice I can give is to pre-load the suspension before tightening everything, and pick up some silicone grease (if you get the "new" style bushing), to ease installation and prevent squeaking.

Blox: (couldn't find a pic of them installed )


Skunk2:


Current set-up (picture whoring! woot!)

 

lol, and I bet you haven't even taken a look at your bushings either. Go out to your car, climb under and take a look. I'll give you 5 dollars if your bushings are torn in half or haven't fallen out completely.

we're just trying to give this guy reliable information.

 

You may know that the bolts can seize now, however, I didn't understand what happened until it actually did happen. The same case may be with the OP. Definitely apply anti-seize onto the bolts when reinstalling.

Let's see, I removed them:
Once when I installed everything (4 bolts froze)
Again when replacing the LCA bushings
Again to install the Skunk2's
And finally once more to install the subframe brace and sway bar.

I still have the Blox LCAs with torn bushings in my garage, I'll snap a picture when I can. I would definitely keep an eye on the bushings if you buy anything that looks comparable to the Blox set-up.

 

Im a little confused as to you talking about skunk2's and (new bushings) or silicone and (new bushings) If I were to buy skunk2 wouldnt the bushings that come with them be good enough ? I called the dealer today and the only bushing they offer for my lower control arm is the shock mount one, so looks like I have to buy some arms I just dont wanna buy some that have to have diffrent bushings that come with them...Know what I mean Vern.