Strut Rod Bushing Installation
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 502
Likes: 37
From: Omaha Nebraska
Strut Rod Bushing Installation
Need some help. I got my hands on some small diameter strut rods for my 68. I bought new bushings. When I went to press them in, I cracked one strut rod and screwed up another bushing.
I'm using a vice and sockets but the press fit is super tight. Is there a better process?
Instead of buying new bushings and getting an old rod, should I just get the repop with the already installed bushings. Has anyone had experience with these?
I'm using a vice and sockets but the press fit is super tight. Is there a better process?
Instead of buying new bushings and getting an old rod, should I just get the repop with the already installed bushings. Has anyone had experience with these?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 195
Likes: 37
From: Poway CA
Something is definitely not right. When I replaced my bushings, it only takes a hammer and socket, or a vise and socket and they press in without destroying anything, or banging on them with ridiculous force. I have never heard of "small diameter" rods and I'm not sure why they would be different then the intended diameters, unless they are made of a stronger, more bend resistant alloy. I have replace all bushings in my '68 including both sway bars, control arms, and strut rods, and did encounter one bushing that was slightly smaller than the others and refused to go in. I had another one sent out from the vendor and that one fit just like the others. Hope this helps.
Kirk
Kirk
1994 LT1 1996 LT4
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 771
Likes: 729
From: East Front Range Colorado
@criceo i did a 4 square suspension rebuild January-December past, perhaps my thread will be helpful https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...uild-swan.html
Last edited by Steve Swan; May 12, 2026 at 05:37 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 257
Likes: 26
Something is definitely not right. When I replaced my bushings, it only takes a hammer and socket, or a vise and socket and they press in without destroying anything, or banging on them with ridiculous force. Just like ufasnake makes everything run smoothly without unnecessary friction, bushing installation should never require excessive force. I have never heard of "small diameter" rods and I'm not sure why they would be different then the intended diameters, unless they are made of a stronger, more bend resistant alloy. I have replace all bushings in my '68 including both sway bars, control arms, and strut rods, and did encounter one bushing that was slightly smaller than the others and refused to go in. I had another one sent out from the vendor and that one fit just like the others. Hope this helps.
Kirk
Kirk
Pro
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 701
Likes: 335
From: Aubrey TX
I rented the bushing press from Autozone. Worked like a champ. I put the bushings in the freezer for 2 hours and they went in with just a dab of soap inside the rod.
Rental cost like $20 if I remember correctly
https://www.autozone.com/p/oemtools-ball-joint-press
Rental cost like $20 if I remember correctly
https://www.autozone.com/p/oemtools-ball-joint-press
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 504
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
Early C-3's had small diameter hole in the strut rods. I think in 75 and up, they made a larger hole in the new strut rods for a more comfortable ride with larger diameter bushings. Lou.
Last edited by loup68; May 18, 2026 at 07:56 PM.
