Lower Control Arm Bump Stop Installation

[KSSB]

On my 85 Silverado 1/2 ton, 2wd, the rubber bump stop on the driver's side, lower control arm is missing. Not sure why, but it's gone. I bought a new one, and I can't figure out how to get that thing installed. I've greased it, pushed on it, and I can't even get it started.

Does anyone have any tips, or tricks, to get these installed?

 

[TotalyHucked]

I've never even seen one of those, every truck I've worked on they're either rotted off/gone or the truck's been slammed and they're cut off lol. Got any pics?

 

[KSSB]

Passenger side and driver's side. It's been gone for a while. When I got it from my Dad, it was missing, and that was a while ago. So, I don't know that it's critical, but I figured might as well replace it, if possible. A lot of little things add up to a lot of issues eventually, and I'm trying to take care of as many as I can. It's kinda like whack-a-mole. Lol

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[legopnuematic]

I installed new ones on my 79 when I refurbished the control arms, that was a long time ago, but I think I slicked the ‘tongue’ up and started at the end and worked a 1/4” at a time or so moving it in and over.

I did have the control arms on the bench (or knowing me, floor), might be a pain in the truck?

 

[KSSB]

I installed new ones on my 79 when I refurbished the control arms, that was a long time ago, but I think I slicked the ‘tongue’ up and started at the end and worked a 1/4” at a time or so moving it in and over.

I did have the control arms on the bench (or knowing me, floor), might be a pain in the truck?

Yeah, it's proving to be a major pain, in the truck. It's a bit awkward to get in a position to push down on it while working the tab. Makes it worse, that I can hardly get to the tab to work it back and forth.

I saw a few videos on YouTube, where guys had the control arms off, like you did, and literally just pushed on it and it popped right in. It seemed to barely take anything at all to get it installed. So, I figured I'd be able to just power it in there, but no dice.

 

[peats]

Have you tried putting it in boiling water to soften it then lube the heck out of it?

 

[KSSB]

Have you tried putting it in boiling water to soften it then lube the heck out of it?

I have not. I did sit it next to the wood stove, but it didn't help. Maybe hot water would be better.

 

[Gander]

I have not. I did sit it next to the wood stove, but it didn't help. Maybe hot water would be better.

Add some dish soap to that water. That should slick it up pretty good.

 

[Fat 454]

Dish soap and a broad flat blade used ( read blunt and old ) screwdriver to get it started.
Obviously always work away from you in case of slips, and wear safety glasses ( go on - ask me how I know this ... )

 

[DoubleDingo]

Dish soap and a broad flat blade used ( read blunt and old ) screwdriver to get it started.
Obviously always work away from you in case of slips, and wear safety glasses ( go on - ask me how I know this ... )

^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^

It's a pain, but dish soap and a screwdriver will get it done. Once you get it started it'll go smoother, trick is getting it started. I wouldn't boil it, or heat it, just use some liquid soap. You don't want use oil or the like, you don't want to compromise the integrity of the rubber.

 

[Bessie]

I'm late to this post but nobody mentioned to the gentleman that since they have been missing for years, you need to clean the slot and upper surface of as much rust and crud as possible, wire brush light filing or old screw driver sand paper on a stick-whatever so it's as smooth a surface possible for the rubber to slide on and through.

 

[KSSB]

I'm late to this post but nobody mentioned to the gentleman that since they have been missing for years, you need to clean the slot and upper surface of as much rust and crud as possible, wire brush light filing or old screw driver sand paper on a stick-whatever so it's as smooth a surface possible for the rubber to slide on and through.

Ya know, that's a really good point that I didn't think of. The next time I get some free time, I'm going to pull it back in the garage and try a combination of the methods mentioned, and cleaning the metal surface, making it as smooth as possible, is definitely something I overlooked.

I think I'm going to jack it up, get the control arms to droop as much as possible, and remove the front tire, to hopefully give me a better angle of attack. Maybe that mixed with the ideas mentioned will help.

I appreciate all the advice and ideas mentioned, folks. I sincerely appreciate it! I'll report back when get time to mess with it (it may be a few weeks).

 

[DoubleDingo]

Ya know, that's a really good point that I didn't think of. The next time I get some free time, I'm going to pull it back in the garage and try a combination of the methods mentioned, and cleaning the metal surface, making it as smooth as possible, is definitely something I overlooked.

I think I'm going to jack it up, get the control arms to droop as much as possible, and remove the front tire, to hopefully give me a better angle of attack. Maybe that mixed with the ideas mentioned will help.

I appreciate all the advice and ideas mentioned, folks. I sincerely appreciate it! I'll report back when get time to mess with it (it may be a few weeks).

I installed mine on crusty-dirty control arms, not jacked up off the ground, and tires bolted on. I did turn them side to side depending which one I was installing to gain better access, though. This was in the 90's. Never thought of cleaning the slots. Smooth metal should be easier, but not necessary.

 

[KSSB]

I installed mine on crusty-dirty control arms, not jacked up off the ground, and tires bolted on. I did turn them side to side depending which one I was installing to gain better access, though. This was in the 90's. Never thought of cleaning the slots. Smooth metal should be easier, but not necessary.

Well, you're better than I am then. Because I spent over an hour trying different things, and couldn't even get it started.

Care to share what technique you used?

 

[DoubleDingo]

Well, you're better than I am then. Because I spent over an hour trying different things, and couldn't even get it started.

Care to share what technique you used?

Similar to post #9, but I'd have different width screwdrivers on hand, and a squeeze bottle with soap. You don't need a bunch of soap, but you need more than one application of it. As stated, start on the end, once it's started it'll go easier.