[TR] installing rubber suspension bushings

[Joe Curry]

Greg,
I think that with what you said, I would try heating the bushings in hot
water to soften them up a bit before installing.  Obviously, cooler weather
doesn't help.

Joe

-----Original Message-----
From: triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net
[mailto:triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Greg Gelhar
Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 10:38 AM
To: triumphs at autox.team.net; 6pack at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [TR] installing rubber suspension bushings

Thanks to everyone that replied to my question of install ing the rubber
bushings into the suspension arms. We were using the threaded rod and large
socket method and used liquid dish soap for a lubricant. The holes were
cleaned and smooth. We are using the hard rubber bushings that Anthony
Vigliotti from RATCO instructed us to use. They are quite hard and do not
compress easily. I would say they are as hard as the urethane bushings.

It would seem your suggestions for a better lubricant would have helped,
but we were using what we had at the time. While we had some success, I
thought there must be some trick method we were missing. I even did some
searching on the internet, but did not find any help there.

I'm thinking to make up some tools to be available to other club members
consisting of a full size threaded rod (7/16) a lead in bushing for
alignment and a internally tapered guide to help compress the bushing as it
enters the hole in the arm. Has anyone seen something like that?

Our group is very impressed with the RATCO frame. 

Greg Gelhar
1973 TR6
1980 TR8
Osseo, MN