Teraflex Long Control Arm Joint Options?

[jwtj02]

I have some old Teraflex Long Control Arm bushings that are looking pretty rough. I am planning for winter projects and this is one of them. A complete set of TeraFlex bushings are about $ 460. Johnny Joints are an option, I think... but I believe I will have to replace the joint rod end (driving the cost up - correct?).
Are there other options? Any choice noticeably better than Teraflex's bushings? ...particularly if they are also cheaper.

 

[Chris]

Well a Johnny Joint would definitely be an upgrade over a Teraflex bushing. In addition, the JJs are rebuildable (not sure if the Teraflex joints are or not).

I'd look at the JJs as a buy-once-cry-once type of part.

 

[jwtj02]

Well a Johnny Joint would definitely be an upgrade over a Teraflex bushing. In addition, the JJs are rebuildable (not sure if the Teraflex joints are or not).

I'd look at the JJs as a buy-once-cry-once type of part.

Alright, I will do a little researching to see what that would cost to do all of them. Appreciate the insight.

 

[astjp2]

Well a Johnny Joint would definitely be an upgrade over a Teraflex bushing. In addition, the JJs are rebuildable (not sure if the Teraflex joints are or not).

I'd look at the JJs as a buy-once-cry-once type of part.

They are rebuildable.

 

[lBasket]

Probably worth mentioning that rebuilding 16 Johnny joints isn't going to be much cheaper than replacing your teraflex bushings.

 

[Ctdriver86]

https://www.extremeterrain.com/tera...arm-joint-rebuild-kit-for-8-arms-9706-tj.html

I used these to rebuild my teraflex long arms.

 

[jwtj02]

https://www.extremeterrain.com/tera...arm-joint-rebuild-kit-for-8-arms-9706-tj.html

I used these to rebuild my teraflex long arms.

Yes, that is exactly what I was looking at. Teraflex makes it pretty easy with the complete kit for all the joints. I am struggling a little to figure out what all I'd need if I were to shift to a Johnny Joint. Anyone know if there is a 'kit' or even just a parts list somewhere?

 

[jwtj02]

According to the Core4x4 folks,"none of the Johnny Joints internals will fit the Teraflex stock joints". So, it looks like TeraFlex original joint rebuild kits might be the only option.

 

[akajibio]

I have some old Teraflex Long Control Arm bushings that are looking pretty rough. I am planning for winter projects and this is one of them. A complete set of TeraFlex bushings are about $ 460. Johnny Joints are an option, I think... but I believe I will have to replace the joint rod end (driving the cost up - correct?).
Are there other options? Any choice noticeably better than Teraflex's bushings? ...particularly if they are also cheaper.

Members on this site will tell you that all your ways are junk, they don't really offer advise, just criticism. Its their way or no way. Funny thing about opinions. Every clown has one!

 

[jwtj02]

Any one know of a good you tube video regarding rebuilding the joints? I am specifically looking for information pertaining to removing and reinstalling the arms, as the replacement of the joint seems very straightforward. I am assuming that pulling one off at a time is the best strategy, but also figure there are some tips / tricks to make the task easier.

 

[Ctdriver86]

I did one arm at a time, when I did it. Combo of Ratchet straps and hi lift to help take the load off the arm if needed.

 

[jwtj02]

To get the clevite bushing out, will the field tool work or is that just for the flexjoints?

 

[jwtj02]

Well, first, the flex joint was really shot: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sVVLtAd525BEXXYs6

But, in looking at the videos explaining how to use the field tool to remove/replace the flex joints, they don't seem to match my joints. I don't have any snap rings. See below. How do I remove these?

 

[TimV]

Looks like spiral retaining ring. A screwdriver and choice language should remove that in second.
https://www.rotorclip.com/post/product_type/spiral-rings/
There's the picture source.

Tim

 

[jwtj02]

Thanks @TimV - I wonder if they can be replaced with the snap-rings that come standard in the TeraFlex rebuild kits now? I might just swap out the whole end for a Johnny Joint as they seem to be much better regarded than TF's joints.

 

[TimV]

Strictly my opinion here: the spiral retaining ring has better holding power, just due to 360 degree lip it creates. I've not yet encountered one of these failing, vs typical snap rings that I've seen overpowered to failure. The spiral ring can be removed/installed with a simple flat screwdriver. The typical snap ring removal without a proper tool has made me very unhappy.

For joint ends, I only know as much as I've read here as well. The CA's on my TJ appear to be RC from the PO. My intention is to replace the ends with JJ's, someday. There's my .02 cents. Take it for what it's worth.

Tim

 

[Ctdriver86]

I remember I ended up messing with the Feild tool. Ended up buying a shop press and using pieces of the kit with the press to unload the pressure of the bushing to pry and pop out that ring. Used the snap rings from the kit on the damaged ones.