Split the sleeve while flaring bushing

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Dec 27, 2008 | 10:17 AM

catchme76

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From: MOBILE Al

Split the sleeve while flaring bushing

I was installing my poly trailing arm bushings and while I was flaring the sleeve over the washer I split the very edge of the flare. Is this a problem? Do I need to drill it back out and get a new sleeve? Anyone else done this?

Dec 27, 2008 | 12:03 PM

speedreed8

Melting Slicks

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From: Texas

when i installed my poly TA bushings on the 79 the instructions said not to flare them. , that was a couple of years ago, its been fine. still holding straight alignment. fyi.

Dec 27, 2008 | 12:27 PM

catchme76

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From: MOBILE Al

Everything fits really tight. I think it will be ok. My poly kit came with a flare tool and only calls for a light press fit. You determine the fit by the washers added with the kit. Maybe it wont all come flying apart

Dec 27, 2008 | 06:15 PM

Sayfoo

Safety Car

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From: Orange County Ca

I don't think it can go any where once the shims are in place.

Dec 27, 2008 | 06:36 PM

catchme76

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From: MOBILE Al

I think I may go with the Johnny joint. After doing a little research it seems to be a great alternative. Little more work, but hey, who am I kidding. Im putting a flippin 5.3 mixed with fbody and corvette components into my car. So "might as well"

Dec 27, 2008 | 06:49 PM

GTR1999

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From: Connecticut, USA

I generally do not use poly bushings unless someone wants one. I've had some rubber bushings with cheap sleeve crack on the flare. I use only one supplier for them now as there are a lot of those cheap sleeves out there. The flare for poly usually is not as large as the one for rubber as the poly is not compressed. If the flare is higher then the washer I grind them flat and this may take out the crack in your case?

Dec 27, 2008 | 07:47 PM

1mpalss

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From: Plumas Lake CA

Johnny Joints

I like the idea of using Johnny Joints too. I'm still debating whether or not to do the weld-in sleeves or just cut the whole bushing end of the control arm off and make the mount for the scew-in bearing (basically a rod end). I'm still very much a rookie welder.