Topic: Shock Absorber bushing replacement

[tobkob]

If you just need the bushings you can go to Auto Zone and buy some Gabriel shocks. All my bushings were good except the top ones and if I remember correctly the lower ones may be a bit smaller.

TOB

[J_Speegle]

If you just need the bushings you can go to Auto Zone and buy some Gabriel shocks. ............

Think you'll find those will not do - since they often have different markings or lack the factory ones

[petersixtfive]

Top bushing with Harris markings

[RoyceP]

DSD Restorations web site seems to be gone. Does anyone know where to get these bushings now?

[67gtasanjose]

DSD Restorations web site seems to be gone. Does anyone know where to get these bushings now?

I'll pm you some contact info.

[RoyceP]

Thank you!

I'll pm you some contact info.

[J_Speegle]

In judging we've seen allot of reproduction/replaced front shock upper bushings not holding up well. Not sure if its the rubber being used or owners/builders not using the upper A arm stops when the lift the cars off the suspension.  Just wanted to let others know this has become somewhat common unfortunately

[RoyceP]

DSD no longer offers them due to the longevity issue. I am going to rob a set from some NOS Motorcraft shocks.

In judging we've seen allot of reproduction/replaced front shock upper bushings not holding up well. Not sure if its the rubber being used or owners/builders not using the upper A arm stops when the lift the cars off the suspension.  Just wanted to let others know this has become somewhat common unfortunately

[Bob Gaines]

DSD no longer offers them due to the longevity issue. I am going to rob a set from some NOS Motorcraft shocks.

The chances of those not holding up ether are less if you do not use the small brace under the upper control arm as mentioned in reply #21 and outlined in any of the 65-70 shop manuals (for good reason). I think Marcus made some up from the shop manual diagrams and sells them. FYI I painted mine florescent green to help me not forget to take them out before I let the car down.

[jwc66k]

FYI I painted mine florescent green to help me not forget to take them out before I let the car down.

Wouldn't that be after?
I use a block of wood, a "Home Depot" cutoff special.
Jim

[Bob Gaines]

Wouldn't that be after?
I use a block of wood, a "Home Depot" cutoff special.
Jim

Yes I should have clarified . Typically yes . I was thinking of my situation on a lift where I have a car on a 4 post lift I do the work with the car raised up in the air . I lift the suspension while on the 4 post lift so I am standing up while working . I let the body down but have forgotten to take the support out before lowering my four post lift and driving off.  It will fall out the first time you hit a good bump but that is not a good time. 

[RoyceP]

The local Advance Auto Parts store sent me a 20% discount coupon which I used to buy a pair of Monroe shocks to try and rob the upper bushings from. Pressing out the bushing and axle together proved to be simple using my hydraulic press.

[RoyceP]

I also pressed the rotten upper bushing and axle from the Autolite assembly line original shocks. The ID of the assembly line shock is .950" while the Monroe shock is 1.125".

[RoyceP]

Here's the Monroe bushing, and a comparison of the axles.

The original axle (lower) is .625" OD made from 5/8" seamless .95" wall tubing. The Monroe axle (top, yellow) is made from rolled steel sheet .083" thick. So not only does it not look right, it isn't as strong.

 

[RoyceP]

Since the bushing had the proper ID, I set to work changing the OD. I slipped the axle over a 1/2" bolt chucked into my cordless drill. Initially I tried using the abrasive wheel, but soon moved over to the belt sander. This is tough rubber, it took quite a while to get the OD down to 1" which I thought would be an appropriate interference fit for the .95" hole in the shock.

Shown is the as removed bushing next to one that is fit to the OEM shock.