[Spridgets] boy bothered by bugeye bushings

[Glen Byrns]

When you think about it, the inner metal sleeve of the bushing is locked in 
position by the bolt to the chassis mount, the outer metal sleeve is locked 
to the hole in the radius arm by friction.  The rubber core can only 
accomodate just so much twist before it fails.  The radius arm bushings must 
be installed with the rear springs under normal load or the bushings will be 
installed at the lower limit of suspension travel.  Once lowered back to the 
ground, the rubber core will be twisted halfway to the tearing point.  One 
good upward seflection of the suspension and they're gone.

Jack up the car and lower the rear axle onto two jackstands.  Now the rear 
suspension is loaded to the normal travel resting position.  Replace the 
bushings and tighten into place.  NOW, lower the car and the bushings will 
not be "pre-loaded" while sitting at rest.

My first set failed as you describe, the second set is still in place.  I 
forget who, but someone on the list wised me up.

Glen Byrns


> Have had bad luck with the radius arm bushings on my car, they only last a 
> few
> weeks, the originals went 40 years....any Ideas? TIA
> _______________________________________________