I was told today that the bushings had “popped” out on the front lower control arms of my 99 GP. Was quoted $235 (installed) for a new control arm. Is it necessary to replace the whole control arm or just replace the bushing? Since the bushing “popped” out does that mean the control arm is worn and needs replaced?

You can buy new bushings and have them pressed in.

I have a Haynes repair manual and it says "the bushings can be replaced but that it takes special tools and expertise" and that's it. Anyone know what special tools are needed. I have access to a press but are there other tools needed? Should I just take off the control arm and take it to a shop and have them press in the bushings?

The press is the special tool.

You need a 2 ton ball joint press or something similar. The entire control arm needs to come out and its not a fun job. You will be very hard pressed to find anyone even willing to attempt to replace just the bushing except for the dealership

Chunkee, why do you say it is "not fun"? According to my info it's seams not to bad to remove and replace the lower control arm. Is the not so fun part replacing the bushings and why is it hard to find people to just replace the bushings? The mechanic that pointed out that the bushings were bad wanted to replace the whole arm like you stated.

BTW. thanks to everyone for your knowledge and help, it is greatly appreiacted.

thanks for all the advice. I went ahead and changed out the control arms. Only problem was that the bolt wouldn't come out of vertical bushing on one side, but a grinder and hammer took care of it.

Many reasons why..one, mechanics would much rather change a pre-made control arm rather than have to hold and position the control arm on a hydraulic press and attempt to press in the bushing (its not easy to do and do right).

Removing the control arm is not the problem at all, however sometimes the bolts rust to the bushing collars and that is fun, have to heat the bolts up with a torch which usually results in a melted bushing and small fires, quite the pain in the ass