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Strut Rod Question

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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 02:15 PM
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Default Strut Rod Question

I have the larger diameter strut rod ends ('74-'82 1 3/8") on my 72. Just installed poly bushings and there is a good 1/8" space on each side between the mount bracket & bushing. That space also prohibits the proper torque on the camber bolt (CRUSHES BRACKET). The old rubber bushings had bushing caps that fit on each side of the bushing making the rod fit tight in the mounting bracket. Are bushing caps necessary for the poly???
Thanks in advance
Eddie
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 02:19 PM
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It should be a tight fit, didn't the kit come with washers? What brand is your poly stuff?
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 02:21 PM
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Looks like you might have answered your own question. I replaced mine with poly and everything I believe was the same except for the type of bushing.
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
It should be a tight fit, didn't the kit come with washers? What brand is your poly stuff?
Did not come with bushing caps. Bought complete rear poly kit from Vansteel.
Eddie
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 02:21 PM
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Yes. The washers are a must.
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 02:24 PM
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I'm not sure if mine had washers either

Mine look like this (not using them)....I think they need washers
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 02:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Vette_Tech
Yes. The washers are a must.
Just when I thought I was done. Arrrrggg....now where did I put that parts catalog.
Thanks guys
Eddie
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Silvr77
Just when I thought I was done. Arrrrggg....now where did I put that parts catalog.
Thanks guys
Eddie
Eddie

Give VanSteel a call or e-mail, they should send you some if they where left out of the kit.


Chris
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Fevre
Eddie

Give VanSteel a call or e-mail, they should send you some if they where left out of the kit.


Chris
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 03:10 PM
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I got my poly bushings from PST. I had to reuse my old washers. Everything fit perfectly.
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Fevre
Eddie

Give VanSteel a call or e-mail, they should send you some if they where left out of the kit.


Chris
He just got a poly conversion kit and they are not included. Your supposed to reuse your old washers.

Ed - you have mail.
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Van Steel
He just got a poly conversion kit and they are not included. Your supposed to reuse your old washers.

Ed - you have mail.
Quick response and GREAT customer service...Thanks Vansteel!!!
P.S. Old washers were rusted & shot. Thought poly bushings didn't require washers. Everyday's a learning day.
Eddie
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 05:06 PM
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Knew they would give you a quick service, even if it was not what you wanted to hear.
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 05:23 PM
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Eddie since you have the rear suspension up in the air look at the bearing support where the larger strut rods fit. Sometimes,not all the time, the larger head may bind under extreme travel. Look for any marks that would show this. You can slightly modify the support so that doesn't happen. I milled a small radius in mine when I was rebuilding the T arms and rear bearings but a file will do if you need to.
It's not uncommon to find the larger head rods in the older cars as they were the service replacement part.
Gary
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 11:05 PM
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Originally Posted by gtr1999
Eddie since you have the rear suspension up in the air look at the bearing support where the larger strut rods fit.Gary
Thanks for the heads up Gary...the bearing support was fine. Everything but the half shafts is installed, (spicers going in) but I'll have to remove the strut mount bracket to get those bush washers installed when they come. THEN...I'll post pics of the finished product. Don't worry...I'll make ya proud.
Eddie
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