[Healeys] FRONT SHOCK ARMS vs. NEW UPPER TRUNNION BUSHES - WHATTA BATTLE

[Brashear, Jack, N]

Hi All, I'm trying to install new rubber bushings (from Moss) in the
upper trunnions of a friend's 1959 BN6.  They apparently seat properly
in the trunnions.  I mean, the top "flange" underside is flush against
the trunnion face.  The problem is that the tops of the rubbers are
waaaay too thick (over 3/16" total) for everything to go back between
the shock arms.  I can't compress the rubbers because their metal
inserts are full length of the rubbers.  I loosened the bolt thru the
arms but they won't spread enough to help.  Is this normal??  Did the
original rubber bushes have such thick tops??  Are these bad parts??  Do
I need to reduce the rubber top thickness with a fine blade saw??  Are
other bushings available??  It seems like I've seen these bushings that
didn't have a flange...they stood just a bit proud of the trunnion face.
I know it could be very difficult to get the shock arms to relocate on
the cross-shaft, but what else can I do??  Please help...and HAPPY NEW
YEAR!!

Jack