MinnesotaJeff

I need to replace just my upper strut rod bushings. I don't want to mess with cutting the lower shock bolts off to remove the strut rods completely, I want to do it on the car. I have the spring and differential out so there is plenty of room to work. It sounds like the rubber bushings are best for my application, but they are harder to press in. I'm looking for anyone who has put in the replacement rubber ones to comment on how hard they were to press in. I'm wondering if I can press them in using a large C clamp. If they absolutely need a press, then I will probably just go with the poly bushings although I don't really want to do that. I know that the strut needs to twist a bit and the poly wont allow that.

Thanks

terrys6t8roadster

There are a few vendors that carry the poly three piece strut bushing kit, after polishing the inside of the strut rod to remove the crud these bushings almost press in by hand after lubing with white grease. with the spring disconnected, jacking the trailing arm you can achieve a fairly good alignment for reassembly. there are metal caps on the ends of the bushings replace them also. lube and antisieze everything.

mikep3

If you have the rear end apart I would change all the strut rod bushings.
Get a tool from a Vette Vendor to hammer out the lower shock bolt.
I drilled the rubber out on the old bushings and a vice to get them out. The new ones were pressed in with a vice and 1/2" drive sockets.
Drill rubber and vice to remove old bushings

Old and new bushings

Strut Rod Bushing Tools

billcarson

i agree with mikep3 as mine were equally disintegrated on both sides.good luck.

qwank

my shock mounts came right out. the job is not always the horror story that some people talk about. do all the bushings.

SB64

my 69 was to far gone had to order new struts.Dont forget to block spring when you put back your leaf. good luck