Is it a real pain to change out trailing arm bushings? ('74 911)
 

I have a 1974 911 with the engine out (cause I am too scared to put it back in), and because I keep looking for crap to do to prolong the inevitable, I have come to trailing arm bushings. After some searching, it seems as though changing out the rear trailing arm bushings (right by the torsion bar tube) is a major PIA. Is this the consensus, or did I just read threads from guys who were having unusual issues with them? I can't even tell if the old ones are bad or not, but I do have access to them since the engine is out and figured I would try to tackle it if it's not a massive undertaking. Thanks!

Yes....there are a few DIY tools you can use. Do a search.

Can you post pictures? If they are the original bushings I think you already know the answer as far as them being bad.;)
I am about to embark on that journey myself on the 86 cab, along with the rest of the suspension pieces and brakes, so I can't answer on the difficulty of the task yet.

Got the 101 projects book?

Even the honorable judge Wayne dost not recommend replacement unless grabbing/prying the arm results in major movement.

Really depends on vehicle storage/use over the years.

If you replace, and I am NOT saying you don't possibly need replacement, be prepared for squeaks/groans as original was molded(?) into arm.

Requires removal of the trailing arm, which is the worst part. Removing and replacing the bushing itself isn't too bad.

The bigger issue is that really you have to pull everything off to get the trailing arm out of the carrier. That screws up alignment settings. Really not that big of a deal once you make that leap of faith.

It's not a massive undertaking. Half the trouble is getting the engine out.

Make sure the car is properly supported so it does not fall and kill you.

Drain brake system
Remove brake lines
Disconnect parking brake cables
Disconnect shock
Remove trailing arm bolts
Remove trailing arms
Remove bushings
Install bushings
Install arms
Reinstall brake cables
Service brake system. Good time to change fluid and do other brake work
Perform rear alignment.

Yeah, that settles it. I am going to give the current ones a thorough inspection and if they look good-to-half-way-decent I am leaving them in. I am already over my head trying to re-install the engine, if I start a project like this I won't be driving the car again 'til 2012. Thanks for the insight.

depends on the age of the car and the enviorment its been used in... garage queen, not too bad. alot of winter driving with crud n rust you may struggle.

All of the above is right on. I did mine with a hydraulic press while the engine was out. The worst part was removing the hard brake lines.