VW T3 / T25 / Vanagon - ARB and Drop Link Bush Replacement

In this video I remove the original bushings from the Anti Roll Bar / Sway Bar and Drop Links / End Links on a Volkswagen T25 and replace with a new Powerflex set. Blog post: vwt25.blog/2018/06/25/arb-and...
The alternative vice method by Christopher Schimke (T3 Technique) I mention: • Vanagon Endlink Upper ...
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[@photopicker]

You absolutely amaze me. It's fascinating to watch the processes involved and I am learning a ton about my '88 Westy GL. You have made a fantastic contribution to the Vanagon community.

[@jean-francoiscaron6435]

Thank you so much!! Job done in 3 hours with your help.

[@laurabeth223]

Brilliant video, some good tips and tricks. I'm excited to get started on mine!!

[@slimpickins3425]

Ah yes , I remember doing all my bushings a few yrs back, unfortunately I used rubber ones, the best that were available, and they were crap! Within a year they had already cracked, so I will be changing them to the Powerflex. I just did my gearbox mount and used the Powerflex, and am very happy I did. Its just so much easier with the split bushing. Thanks for the video, I wish i had seen it before I did mine, but honestly it was a straight forward job, with no real problems or surprises. We have to keep these old girls alive and going. I bought mine new in 1980, and have had a love affair ever since! Mine is pretty much all done over mechanically, I still have a ways to go on the body restoration.Thanks again, and you have another subscriber! One last thing, as a cabinetmaker, I couldn't help but notice your hand saw!! Oh well, I guess we all have our priorities! Cheers mate, and thanks again, well done!

[@JamesAkers]

Wow, owner from new! Wish mine was, the previous owners have done some strange things over the years! Agree i'm absolutely in love with these vans, I'll be keeping it for life.

[@roberthill6829]

Really appreciate the time you have taken to help others out. Well done!

[@JamesAkers]

Thank you Robert!

[@roberthill6829]

@@JamesAkers Hey again James. Question: I am planning on soon tackling the front suspension with the full Powerflex kit and have watched all your videos. I'm wondering what your thoughts are regarding whether I should do the radius rods as a separate event, or take everything apart all at once. I guess I am wondering if having some things in place will help others from getting too far out of place, if you know what I mean. Any thoughts appreciated. Bob

[@JamesAkers]

@@roberthill6829 I think if you measure the position of everything it shouldn't really matter. It'll probably be out of alignment with the new parts. Just be careful if you're doing it a bit at a time and still driving the van.

[@roberthill6829]

@@JamesAkers Makes perfect sense. Cheers!

[@gavinwelch9974]

Much clearer than a grainy Haynes photo! And handy point out on the right way round for the washers, mine have apparently gone in wrong at some point in the past

[@robsinclair9022]

well done - I have all your videos marked and ready for a full weekend of front end rebuild.

[@KimoCurtis]

Very helpful, especially on assembling the drop links. I inserted bushing cut in half as a spacer when starting the new bushings into the drop links. Otherwise exactly as outlined in this video.

[@JamesAkers]

Great idea, thanks for sharing.

[@roydini1]

Hi James! Just finished replacing my bushes following your method. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video! Just need to put the wheels back on and then take it for a test drive! Cheers James!

[@JamesAkers]

Fantastic Henry! How is it now?

[@roydini1]

@@JamesAkers It's been running great! I'm really pleased with the outcome. The steering feels more assured and positive. Thanks again for the great guide!

[@slippy8v]

Great videos just did my ARB bushes but removed the ARB and used a bench vice, 1st bush nice and easy 2nd took a few goes, but now fitted and had the van out for a test drive, all good. Radius rod bushes next, there getting good spray of Plusgas.

[@delvxe]

Great, clear video. Really appreciate it. Replacing the anti sway bar in a couple weeks and this is very helpful. Thank you.

[@JamesAkers]

Hope it went well Terry!

[@ottouttu]

Impressive tutorial. THX

[@2ToneTimBoston]

Your videos are brilliant! Very well executed.

[@alagnianos]

Thank you for this, I'm currently looking to invest in a complete powerflex bushing set, this is surely gonna help me in the proces.

[@van_mod1]

Another great video James...well done!

[@-farang-la-fan]

These videos are awesome!!! Cheers!!

[@JamesAkers]

Thanks for watching Deano.

[@oldgadfly8398]

Thank you for the excellent video. Cheers.

[@stevebarratt6648]

Just done mine after following this video. Its easy to follow the simple explanations and the tips are really helpful although I did develop my own method of fitting tge drop- link bushes!

[@JamesAkers]

Cheers Steve. What was your method? Mine was a pain in the bum.

[@stevebarratt6648]

It was a pain in the bum even with my method, which if my memory serves correctly involved fitting the bush into the drop link, then (with the drop link on the hall carpet so it it didn't slip and slide) leaning and swaying down on the ARB like a demented pole dancer to push it into the bush as far as possible before then tapping it fully through with a rubber mallet. It still took 4 or 5 attempts for each side, but fortunately I don't anticipate ever having to do it again!

[@JamesAkers]

@@stevebarratt6648 Haha. That's why I went with Poweflex, never again!

[@jwgmail]

Brilliant video thank you

[@carolinesmith4607]

Hi James love tips on bushes powerflex is way better than old fashioned rubber bushes that r murder 2 get in .or take out I taking all rubber ones off replace with powerflex job well done ..Carol ..Glasgow Scotland

[@markschuyler3768]

Awesome stuff!

[@blastosist]

thanks

[@stevefromcov]

Excellent video James ....... clear and concise ......... Have you ever changed the rear trailing arm bushes? I'm looking to change the original bushes to powerflex or split poly bushes but i'm not sure which as yet. Any thoughts on which may be easiest to install?

[@JamesAkers]

stevefromcov Hey Steve. I'm going to tackle my trailing arms in a couple of weeks so another video is incoming! Should be straightforward to fit the one piece design using the correct tools and technique.

[@BretBerger]

This has been a Rusty Saw production.

[@FhVW]

Hey James, currently installing the droplink bushes with the cups. On my repair manual the discs/washers are cupping the rubbers, opposite of your video. Most LT’s have it this way, but it’s confusing because everybody says something different.

[@JamesAkers]

If you've seen it on other LTs I'd go with the manual. What was it like when you took them off?

[@FhVW]

@@JamesAkers One on the left was the top washer down, bottom one also. On the right side they were both pointed outwards. On a lot of other LT's they are outwards on photo's but the manual says inward. My guess it's a pain in the ass to make them fit

[@type2523]

I have a 21,8 mm sway bar what bushing should i go ?

[@ronaldmitchell2]

I haven't done this yet but I was wondering if it might be easier to assemble the drop links to the sway bar with it on the ground and then install as a unit.

[@JamesAkers]

Ronald Mitchell Yes, if you have a vice you can try this alternative method: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baC7imlue52IrdE Without one you'll need another set of hands to stop it slipping about. The method I used keeps the endlink in the right position as it is slotted into the control arm.

[@type2523]

When ordering the sway bar bushings ( the ones that bolt on /half cyrcle ones ) did you get one or two ? The picture from bushing is showing me two but the description doesn't say how much I get . Would appreciate if you answer, have a great day

[@JamesAkers]

There's two in the Powerflex pack.

[@willbullock9889]

Great video James, any comments on how the van handles now before/after?

[@JamesAkers]

Will Bullock Thanks Will. I've not had chance to drive it yet, will report back when I do!

[@JamesAkers]

Drove to Anglesey and back over the weekend. Drives amazing. Far more solid and goes where I point it!

[@willbullock9889]

Excellent. I've just had mine done, seem to have acquired a 'clunk' over bumps...going to drive it a little and get it all re-torqued.

[@anigamix4875]

Could you tell me what type of book you have there? Bet this helps a lot with all the torque and drawings.

[@tenwettoes]

I know this is old, but did you notice much difference from stock after changing? Do you have part source number and location listing?

[@type2523]

What are the torch specs of these ?

[@FhVW]

Do you need to put the wheels off the ground to do this? Or is unbolting it without jacking the van up possible?

[@JamesAkers]

No, you could do it with the wheels on the ground. You'll need to be skinny to shift around though!

[@garyp.7501]

Getting the torsion bar in and out is a lot easier if the wheels are off, at least on one side. Plus if the van is up on the jack stands you have more room to swing your torque wrench. Safejacks.com sells a really nice portable jack stand, add one more 4ton one from your local auto parts store and you will be a lot happier working under the van. And you'll have one that you can bring along on your trips in case you have an on road breakdown.

[@FhVW]

@@JamesAkers Are there any torq specs on the nuts? after install?

[@declanmccann507]

Which paints are you using in this?

[@koutgangin8863]

haw mache is deis pleis

[@RajRaj-gq8dv]

What that for a book... i want it too😁

[@JamesAkers]

It's brilliant. I recommend getting a copy, search for "VW T25 T3 Vanagon Bentley Manual"

[@miguelalgarra3285]

Now, can you do my van?

[@slycat67]

It looks like you removed your front wheels for this but do you need to do that? I’d rather not if I can get away without doing it.

[@JamesAkers]

If you fit the drop links back onto the anti-roll bar when it's off the van, then you should be able to do it with the wheels still on.

[@garyp.7501]

It's a lot easier to get at everything if the wheels are off and the van is up on jack stands. You have more room to swing a torque wrench and to slide the torsion bar in and out. Good jack stands aren't particularly expensive (unless you buy the portable ones from safejacks.com which are really handy if you might have to do work while on a trip. If you have the cash, buy one portable one, and one inexpensive 4ton one.)

[@liambyrne591]

You stole my method, the heavy foot method

[@JamesAkers]

Haha, used for many of these jobs!