| Shock Bushings [message #235734] |
Fri, 10 January 2014 15:11 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
|
My front KYB shock absorbers appear to be old but good. It takes quite a bit of pressure to compress them and the extension is nice and slow and controlled. There is no sign of leakage or other problems, but the bushings were toast.
I called Applied GMC to order two sets of urethane shock bushings. Nick asked me whether they were 5/8" or 3/4" which applies to the steel sleeve inside the bushing. Good thing I called him instead of going to Pep Boys. I might have bought the wrong thing. The sleeve measured 3/4" on mine, but I guess there was an option.
The bushings arrived in my mail box a few days later and here's how I installed them:
1. I drove the old bushings out of the shock eye with a dead blow hammer and a socket. They popped right out.
2. I drove a 3/4" deep well socket over the steel sleeve to remove the remaining rubber.
3. I cleaned up the steel sleeves with the wire wheel on my bench grinder.
4. I applied very little silicone grease to the inside of the shock eye.
5. I popped the new bushing into the shock eye with a dead blow hammer.
6. I applied a little silicone grease to the inside of the bushings.
7. I started the sleeve into the bushing and used a 1/2" bolt with a nut and washer as a puller to pull the sleeve into the bushing. Make sure the sleeve is going in straight.
8. I repeated the procedure for the other bushings.
It was a relatively easy job. The new Energy Suspension bushings are about the same length as the steel sleeve, so there will be no problems with the shock eye migrating to one side of the bushing.
The shocks are now re-installed and I don't need to worry about putting undue stress on my shock mounts due to worn out bushings (ask Steve Ferguson about this).
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
|
|
|
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
