Hello All.
I will soon be replacing the Control Arm bushings and Ball joints on my 69 Camaro. I will be installing Polygraphite Bushings from PST.
I am undecided on the press required for this job. I have been thinking along the lines of a 6 ton shop press. The press is a table top model with a travel of 9 inches.
Harbor Freight also offers the 12 ton version which has a total press travel of 28 inches.
The 6 ton would better fit the area in which I work, but wondered if it can handle the job.
Any thoughts on this subject is welcomed.
I have been told to just have it done, but I rather do the job myself.
Thanks.

I think the 6 ton is a little light. Remember that's 6 tons absolute max. I have the 12 ton one and it's not overkill when doing bushings. Most shops will press them for a pretty reasonable price. If this is a one time thing, you might want to have it done.

I agree on the shop route...had mine done for $50 bucks...did the balljoints myself

If I recall the poly graphite bushings don't require a press to put in. It's fairly simply to drive the cans in with a hammer while supporting the arm on a bench vise, then the bushings are just pushed in the can by hand. I do the regular bushings this way on daily driver cars. I would recommend the ball joint press that HF and others sell to do lower ball joints , the uppers just bolt in.

Jeff

If it's a one time deal, have a shop do them. Otherwise, go with the 12 ton. Much easier to press than to hammer them in, just remember to fully brace the control arms (within the ears as well as between them) while pressing because they will deflect easily in the press and can cause issues when installing them.