HELP! - Suspension Bushings

[61rover]

I've read all posts on installing the frame bushings and have a couple of questions.

I'm really struggling with these. I got one about half way in and then had to cut it out. Very frustrating.

The frame was galvanized before I bought it so the inside of the holes got a coat as well. I've been trying to use a 3/4" cylindrical grinding wheel to clean them up, but they last about 15 minutes. Should I keep grinding until the bushings fit?

Also, I'm tempted to try the dry ice idea (freezing the bushings to temporarily reduce their size). Will this damage the rubber?

I'm stuck on my project until I can get these in. Any help is appreciated.

 

[BackInA88]

61rover,

I had problems getting one of mine in on my non-galvanized frame.
I used a brake cylinder hone to open the hole up a little and knock off the high spots.
The bushings need to fit tight so it doesn't move, so don't take to much.
I think you will have to get all the galvanizing out of those holes to install the bushings.
Or you might try getting some of the ploy bushings, they don't have the steel outside shell and I think the Great Basin ones have grease porting thru the bolts?

Steve

 

[leafsprung]

use a reamer

 

[61rover]

I thought about the brake cylinder honer. Saw one during my daily trip to the auto parts store. I might give it a try.

Where should I look for a reamer of that size?

 

[apg]

If the frame has been galvanized, it's gonna take more than just a brake cylinder hone.... As Leafsprung said, you'll need a reamer to remove all the zinc. It cuts easily though. The soft zinc will quickly plug up/glaze over a hone stone - as you've found out with the grinding stones.

I made up a special tool that is the absolute fastest way to install frame bushings. I went to the autoparts place and bought a 1/2" drive socket a micron or two smaller than the outer dimension of the bushing. You want it 'pushing' on the outer shell. I then welded a pointed .401 parker shank tool to the socket. Slap that in you air hammer, lube up the inner diameter of the hole as well as the bushing outer, and lay into it. Last bushing went in in about 4 seconds.... The pointy part keeps things centered.

Now if I were smart, I'd patent that tool design....

Cheers

 

[66rover99]

Good advice regarding the reamer, if you can find one of the right size. I've always had good success with putting the bushings in the freezer the day before doing the job and then warming the frame with a propane torch. Then, using a tool like APG describes hammer them in while there's still a good difference in the temperature.

Over the past couple of years, though I've given up on the stock bushings and gone to poly as the stock ones tend to wear out too quickly with my parabolic springs.

cheers, Dave