more to come on rear.

 

if one thinks about doing a long over due service on the rear suspension. I found on my 129 the only parts that were way past due for replacement were the knuckle bushings. there was play in the bushings and boots were totally shot. all the other bushings in the control arms were of solid rubber and showed no cracks, even in the lower control arm. the toe adjustment linkage arm would be another part to be replaced. I replaced all control arms and the lower control where the shock is attached. the lower control attaches to the the rear knuckle and that is almost a sure bet that your bushing is shot if over 150K but always inspect first, if boots are undamaged, no play you're good. if needed, not too hard to press out and in. A simple tool made from a steel drain cap with hole drilled in top so the bushing can go into it when pressing bushing back on with a bolt and nut with heavy washers pressing on end of bushing. the bushing must fit into the steel cap. I used a standard c clamp/press tool to press out old bushing.. an impact wrench helps if you have access to a compressor.