Strut Rod Differences!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
Strut Rod Differences!
During the Strut Rod Bushing Replacement job, I found it interesting (and aggravating) to find that I have two different rods installed. Perhaps someone might know these differences.
I replaced the LH rod with no problem. The Polyurethane Bushings from the Energy Suspension kit fit fine once the thin steel sleeves were pushed out.
But after removing the LH Strut Rod and pushing out it's old bushings, I found no thin steel sleeve in them, and found it to have much larger ends.
My question is; are there differences in production through the years to account for the discrepancy? If so, what do I have here? I want consistency in my car.
Thanks in advance.
Steve
I replaced the LH rod with no problem. The Polyurethane Bushings from the Energy Suspension kit fit fine once the thin steel sleeves were pushed out.
But after removing the LH Strut Rod and pushing out it's old bushings, I found no thin steel sleeve in them, and found it to have much larger ends.
My question is; are there differences in production through the years to account for the discrepancy? If so, what do I have here? I want consistency in my car.
Thanks in advance.
Steve
Last edited by Cavu2u; Feb 17, 2016 at 11:49 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
63-74 have one size bushing; 75-82 have the other. Offhand, I cannot recall which is the larger bushing and which is the smaller, but there are two sizes.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Feb 17, 2016 at 12:03 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Older is smaller. Newer is larger.
I had different ones too, but the PO was kind enough to have two OTHER mis-matched ones in the parts he gave me with the car.
I put the later, larger ones on when I rebuilt my rear end.
Of course, I recently replaced them with heim-joint-ended racing strut rods from VB&P, with which I am well pleased.
I had different ones too, but the PO was kind enough to have two OTHER mis-matched ones in the parts he gave me with the car.
I put the later, larger ones on when I rebuilt my rear end.
Of course, I recently replaced them with heim-joint-ended racing strut rods from VB&P, with which I am well pleased.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
Later rods are supposed to be an "upgrade" to early C3's due to the larger bushings but both rods will fit both models so that would account for the mismatched rods. Maybe one was bent and replaced or the PO just didn't notice the two sizes or didn't care.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
What happened was GM... The early strut rod was replaced by the larger one and for years that was all you could get until the correct smaller strut rods became available a few year back.
Since you already have the bushings for the small rod.. I have a good used straight small strut rod that needs bushings... 10.00 plus shipping.
If you decide you want this call Tommy at 812-288-7103 and we can ship it first thing in the morning.
Willcox
Since you already have the bushings for the small rod.. I have a good used straight small strut rod that needs bushings... 10.00 plus shipping.
If you decide you want this call Tommy at 812-288-7103 and we can ship it first thing in the morning.
Willcox
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Feb 18, 2016 at 05:31 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
Thanks to all for the help and their time.
Late this morning I found one locally. I've found they are still less common than the large ended ones, at least around here.
Ten bucks is a giveaway price Tommy. The one I bought was an original, according to the casting marks, and was cleaned and painted (no bushings), and paid 22 bucks cash for it.
I thank you all for the offers, and sorry I wasted the time of all of you who were so kind to respond.
I am now more knowledgeable on Corvette Strut Rods, thanks to you folks.
Steve
Late this morning I found one locally. I've found they are still less common than the large ended ones, at least around here.
Ten bucks is a giveaway price Tommy. The one I bought was an original, according to the casting marks, and was cleaned and painted (no bushings), and paid 22 bucks cash for it.
I thank you all for the offers, and sorry I wasted the time of all of you who were so kind to respond.
I am now more knowledgeable on Corvette Strut Rods, thanks to you folks.
Steve
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Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
My pleasure Steve.. I'm glad you found one.. 
We have stacks of originals needing bushings. For our shop customers it is cheaper to buy a new strut rod than it is to buy the bushings and pay the shop labor to install them. So I have stacks of originals..
Willcox
We have stacks of originals needing bushings. For our shop customers it is cheaper to buy a new strut rod than it is to buy the bushings and pay the shop labor to install them. So I have stacks of originals.. Willcox
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
But what fun is that?
You guys are great. AAMOF, an order I put in to Willcox last week should be arriving any day now.
Thanks again.
Steve