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Input on Harbor Freight 20 Ton Press -- Sufficient for Pressing in Bushings? 200

The local Harbor Freight just moved locations and is having a grand opening sale. The 20 ton press is on sale for $169, which is a little less than twice what the local Volvo place charged me for pressing in bushings on my torque rods. Anyone have any experience with this one and know whether it will press in the suspension bushings on a 240?








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Input on Harbor Freight 20 Ton Press -- Sufficient for Pressing in Bushings? 200

I'm a bit frustrated. I bought the press. The panhard rod bushings pressed out easily. However, the new ones just wouldn't go in. Ended up ruining both new bushings by deforming them with too much force. On the other hand, I pressed the old ones back in with no problem. These are the second set of bushings I've got from FCP Groton. The ones for the torque rods were also a bear to get in according to the shop where I took them to be pressed in. It's almost as if they are just a tad too big. Anyone else experienced this? I think I may try IPD next time although they are more expensive.








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Input on Harbor Freight 20 Ton Press -- Sufficient for Pressing in Bushings? 200

It is a bit tricky. You have to get them started in just right. The worst thing you can do is force them, as you seem to have found out the hard way.
Some people freeze the new bushings and heat up whatever part is receiving the bushings just before installation. Maybe that will work for you.
Speaking of IPD, yes they are more expensive and usually it's the same part as you buy from Groton. You might call them and ask who makes the bushings that they sell (if it doesn't say on the part). Also call Groton and ask them the same question. Bushings by Boge (OEM) are your best bet. Avoid bushings made by Scan Tech.
--
'80 DL 2 dr








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Input on Harbor Freight 20 Ton Press -- Sufficient for Pressing in Bushings? 200

Yup - I used the HF 20 ton press to do a complete overhaul of my last 240. Man, I wish we had a HF store near me!








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Input on Harbor Freight 20 Ton Press -- Sufficient for Pressing in Bushings? 200

This press is real useful for bending bar stock. I used it to bend parts for a crank counterhold tool as described in the 700 FAQ.
--
'88 244GL, '89 244GL, '90 244DL, '91 244, '92 244








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Input on Harbor Freight 20 Ton Press -- Sufficient for Pressing in Bushings? 200

Just got it home. I'm going to set it up and try it out on my panhard rod tonight. Was it OK for the daunting rear trailing arm bushing?








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Input on Harbor Freight 20 Ton Press -- Sufficient for Pressing in Bushings? 200

Ohhh, too late!
Northern Tool 12 ton press is more than adequate for $130!

Either way, it's worth it's weight in gold. I did the entire rubber with mine 3 yrs ago.
--
'89 245 Sportwagon, '04 V70 2.5T Sportwagon








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Input on Harbor Freight 20 Ton Press -- Sufficient for Pressing in Bushings? 200

Rear TAB stays with the axle. You'll have to crawl under the car to do that one.
--
'80 DL 2 dr







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