I do believe that you managed to get the old bushings out with a fairly simple press. This speaks well of your approach, which (based on other posts and your history as presented here) is focused and intentional. This isn't simply luck, though that's always at least a small part of the picture. Your approach is sound.

I still think that rubber bushings are best for the lower a-arms unless you're race preparing a car. I don't mean a 'gonna drive it real fast around the neighborhood when it's done' kind of race car, but an actual race prepared Amazon. My own 122 is rather modified and - after trying both rubber and urethane - I prefer the rubber lower bushings. Bushing selection is not about comfort nor a quiet ride nor any other factor for me than function. The rubber [lower] bushings are good components. I think I mentioned earlier that the rubber uppers are not. I'll readily state that the rubber upper a-arm bushings currently available are completely useless garbage. Let me just say that again: completely useless garbage.

You mention longevity - certainly valid. Consider: the oem rubber bushings will be good for something between 50 and 75K (perhaps longer) even under hard use - assuming that the rest of your suspension is maintained reasonably well. That oughta be several years - and suspension bushings are a wear component. Which means it's expected that they'll need replacement. They're supposed to get old and wear out in order that other things can get old without wearing out. Strengthen one component, and you'll find that another component fails.

Use anti-seize when reinstalling the lower bolts. Removing them a few years from now will be a cinch. Really. It's good stuff. Once this is done, replacing the lower a-arm bushings by yourself will be a fine way to spend an hour and a half while also watching TV and eating a sandwich at the same time.

If ever you're in Portland, let me know. I guarantee that I can provide a solid example of a well prepared suspension setup for the 122 that includes an intentional and calculated mix of urethane and rubber suspension bushings. Lest anyone think I'm manipulating the data by picking an easy route, you can drive it yourself. On whatever road surface you choose. Except ice or snow.

[Disclaimer: This is NOT a suggestion, nor am I encouraging ANYONE to try this on their own. If you take this approach and it turns out poorly, it's because you tried something you shouldn't have. It works for us, but that doesn't mean that it works for anyone else anywhere anytime ever. Don't do this. Just don't. End disclaimer.]

The trick to removing lower a-arm bushings: remove the arm from the car. Place the bushing end of the arm in a cradle such that the arm is supported but the bushing is not. Strike the side of the bushing that's on the inboard side of the a-arm with a large hammer and it'll fall out of the arm. NOTE: there are LOTS of ways this can go wrong! If it goes wrong, you can ruin the a-arm and end up with bigger problems to resolve. We do it this way because 1) It's really quick; 2) Shayne is really good and can reliably do this without damaging the arm; and 3) we have a lot of spare parts around should anything go awry. If we eff up and break it, we replace it. Period.

Best regards,

Cameron
Rose City