man oh man.

here we go.

1973 Dodge Dart Swinger.

problem:
idler arm is loose (about to fall out). ordered replacement from Kragen, should I worry about quality?

also bushing on upper control arm is NOT THERE. also ordered replacement from Kragen. should I worry about quality?

in the future if I want to replace bushings, seals, and mounts, what brands, companies, and distributors do you folks recommend?

should I buy them as sets ( a tad expensive) or just buy them as I begin to replace them?

take it easy.

Caesar

If it's a major brand, made in a reputable country, you shouldn't have a problem. And in the case of the bushing, I'd say that any bushing is better than none at all!
Mounts, as in engine mounts? Well, there are polyurethane ones available; I think Schumacher has them, but we'd hope any of the major brands (Moog, TRW, NAPA, Dana...) would be fine. There are specialty bushings available from various companies in North America (e.g. Energy Suspension) and Australia (e.g. Nolathane). Seals? Which seals?
Well, the only real reason to buy parts in sets is that similar parts exposed to similar conditions and loads for similar lengths of time show similar levels of wear. I'm betting the rest of the bushings in your front end aren't too far behind the trashed/missing one you found.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

When you go to replace the uca bushings schedule more than a day to remove them. If you have to cut them out you'll see why it takes some time. Oil everything many times over many days before turning a wrench.

i know this sounds like the tech in me talking but...
really the best reason to buy parts in sets is to do it all at once with modern parts and to get it over with. just do it all at once! sure, you'll save a few bucks right now by replacing one bushing that's bad. then you have to pay your alignment man (i hope he's good.) or you could do it yourself with some string and chalk (i hope you are good.) then a couple thou later you have another bad bushing or ball joint or tie rod or arm. then you gotta do it all over. in other words: how many times do you wanna fix your front end? would you replace piston rings, then the rod bearings, and later the mains? not quite the same but illustrates my point just buy a nice poly kit. a lot of guys don't llike the poly LCA bushings, and i don't want to open a can of worms here but really be it stock or poly kit just do it all. you won't save any money by piecemealing the job once you consider what redundant labour costs in the long run.
really, you will be so much happier when it is all said and done. there is no other work you can do to one of these cars that will make it feel like a new car. day to day driving will be so much improved you will smile after every corner!
ok. stupid rant over.

-james

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I think that going for the kit is a good idea. Once you get things disassembled it's nice to be able to replace everything in one shot.
That's what I did for my '68 Dart, and I've been pleased with the results.
Set aside a nice weekend for the project.

-Mac