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For those of you who have pressed one of these in.....what is the magical solution. I have tried using sockets, vice, grease, soap....no luck. Then my 20 Ton press....nope it just mushrooms the rubber. Not sure if there is a special tool. There is only the one part number for this, and it is just slightly oversized. Any suggestions??
What year, there are two sizes for the bushing depending on year.
Looks like you have the small diameter rod with a larger diameter bushing that the outside shell removed.
A little more info...I'm working on a 71 Convertible, 350 Auto. When I did my cleanup and paint of my rear suspension I noticed the caps holding the 1/2 shafts to the differential. The numbers on the bottom of the differential were rusted so bad I couldn't read them.
The strut rod bushing bracket had the large skid plate attached. Looks like the entire rear end has been swapped including the strut rods.
Inner dimensions of the opening of the strutvrod is 1.365 or about 1 3/8, from what I am told and what I am reading it is the larger, later rod.
The bushing I have is a Centric 602.62162 and is Approx 1.583 O/D. Rock Auto lists this part for both the 71 and an 80 and both cross reference with the original part # 88912781.
Dorman shows Part # 532286, same appearance, no steel outer sleeve, also cross reference with the original part #. Anything I try and source through the local parts stores are the same as above.
The rubber on this bushing is hard hard hard and the only way I an see getting it in is compressing it first with a compression sleeve(????) then pressing it in. I would figure there would be some type of GM jig or tool for this purpose.
What do you think about shaving this rubber down ever so slightly , decreasing the diameter, just enough to allow the bushing to be pressed in? Will it effect the performance....or would you guys consider doing this?
My next stop is the local GM /Corvette dealership to see if they have any suggestions. If I hit a dead end I guess I will use the style of bushings Dub indicated.
Thanks guys for your help.
I myself would get the bushing that has the steel sleeve around it and use them.
I know I would not trim the bushing due to I could not confirm if I effected its performance....and knowing that I can get one with the steel sleeve around it...that is the reason why I would not try to do it....and that is because I am installing it on a customers car and not my own. ADN even if it were on my own..I would get the ones I mentioned.
I myself would get the bushing that has the steel sleeve around it and use them.
I know I would not trim the bushing due to I could not confirm if I effected its performance....and knowing that I can get one with the steel sleeve around it...that is the reason why I would not try to do it....and that is because I am installing it on a customers car and not my own. ADN even if it were on my own..I would get the ones I mentioned.
DUB
I hear what you are saying....makes sense....I will be going that route....heading over to the Wilcox site now.
Thanks Dub
06-14-2018, 05:09 PM
Rear Strut Rod Bushing Install....HELP!
