Suspension bushing question
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 57
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From: Dickinson ND
Suspension bushing question
First off, I have my motor out for a swap. I noticed that most if not all of the suspension bushings are shot. I guess that is to be expected for a 33 year old car.
I purchased a master kit from Energy Suspensions. How hard is this kit to install? Is this something that I should even attempt or should I hire it done. Are there any special tools needed? I have all the basic tools and a shop press.
Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks
I purchased a master kit from Energy Suspensions. How hard is this kit to install? Is this something that I should even attempt or should I hire it done. Are there any special tools needed? I have all the basic tools and a shop press.
Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks
Last edited by thinksnow; Dec 16, 2011 at 07:57 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
Sounds like You have the Tools. All You need is a Manual and to rent a Spring Compressor. Read the Mauals frist and start at one end or the other. Plan on Stuck Bolts after 33 years. once You get started You will know if You want to to the rest of the Job. Remember to grease the Poly Bushing or You will be building a Squeak machine.
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 572
Likes: 1
From: Cooksville Maryland
DC Area Events Coordinator
Just finished a complete front end restoration. Search the archives and you will find all you need. Tips like don't tighten the end caps on the upper / lower a-arm bushings until the car is back on the ground. Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
The reason for not tightening the end cap bolts was with rubber. The rubber does not move and if tightened before, they can tear when placed on the ground. Poly bushings are greased and move inside the shell and around the bolts, so they can be tightened and torqued before the car is on the ground with no problem at all.
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 572
Likes: 1
From: Cooksville Maryland
DC Area Events Coordinator
You know, I am so glad to hear you say that! I have poly bushings throughout and I noticed that when I test-flexed the upper a-arm before connecting to the spindle, the bushing seemed to rotate in the sleeve instead of flexing and returning like the rubber ones. It will make life a lot easier to take that check-list item and do it now rather than when on the ground.
