If you ask me, yes. You have a suspension part that moves, and will probably wear prematurely.

I haven done ES bushing, but went OEM for my replacement. I may go ES when they are due next. Good info to know.

You can align your car your self. It isn't that crazy. Just google it. I've done my beater with good results. Steering wheel is straighter than any alignment shop has ever got it. And it goes down the road straight, with even tire wear. Our cars only have adjustable toe up front, so it isn't that nuts.

 

Ok, so the only other times I have seen the bushings installed on my car was with the wheels off the ground. With them on the ground, the bushings look just like the OP. There is still a clunking type noise when going over bumps just like before but it no longer feels sloppy loose like it did before changing them.

 

It's really not an issue. I have close to 40,000 miles on my ES bushings and no noise or alignment problems. If the gap bugs you install a washer.
Jay, your clunking noise is probably from something else, check the rest of the bushings and the sway bar end links, I replace all of my front end bushings with ES due to the lower control arm bushing failing, I figured I only wanted to take it apart once so I did them all.

 

Double checked everything since I also swapped in Z springs and replaced the end links. The lower nut on the driver side end link was cross threaded preventing it from being tightened all the way. Everything else is tight and looks good. Still have the little "thunk" noise when going over a bump as if something is loose. The front end has felt like total crap since the work was first completed. I have taken it in for an alignment but it didn't help. Any suggestions?

 

Can you or anyone tell me how thick the washer is that you used?

 

Just so y'all know for next time you need to replace compression rod bushing, you're better off with OE and the cost thru our sponsors is around $50 delivered.
Gary

 

I had no idea you could buy just the oem bushing. Thought you had to buy the whole compression rod

 

Which sponsor would this be?