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Starting at $11.95, AutoBuffy stocks 11 radius arm bushing kits from ACDelco, Dorman, and MOOG. Radius arm bushings isolate the rigid radius arm from the frame and axle, controlling fore-aft axle movement and absorbing road shock. When they crack or collapse, steering wanders, the front end clunks, and tire wear accelerates — problems that worsen quickly if ignored.
The main decisions are material — OE-style rubber versus polyurethane — and whether the kit covers both the frame-end and axle-end bushings or only one location. Full kits that address both ends restore geometry completely and are worth the small price premium over partial sets. Match the kit to your intended use: street driving, towing, or off-road, since each demands different stiffness levels.
| Option | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| OE Rubber Replacement | Daily street driving, comfort-focused use | Factory-matched compliance, quiet ride, easy installation, shortest lifespan of the four options |
| Heavy-Duty Rubber | Towing, hauling, and high-mileage street use | Thicker rubber with higher load rating, longer service life than standard rubber, minimal NVH increase |
| Polyurethane (Street) | Performance street and mild off-road | Firmer feel, significantly longer lifespan, improved steering precision, slight increase in cabin noise and vibration |
| Polyurethane (Off-Road/HD) | Rock crawling, overlanding, aggressive off-road | Maximum durometer rating, grease-able design to prevent squeaking, best control under axle articulation, firmest ride quality |
The radius arm must be unbolted at both the frame bracket and the axle to free it for bushing removal; support the axle independently before disconnecting the arm. Old bushings are pressed out and new bushings are pressed in flush, with polyurethane kits requiring grease packing before assembly. Torque all fasteners to the manufacturer's specification with the suspension at ride height — not at full droop — then schedule a front-end alignment before driving.