Hey all been doing a bit of reading but could not find an answer regarding how to determine if old bushings are bad. I recently replaced the upper a-frame bushings as they were dry rotted. I am considering replacing the body bushings but when I checked none of them look dry rotted. The ones right before the rear tires have a few cracks in the rubber but not nothing major. All of the others look fine-no cracks at all. Is there any real benefit to replacing if they are not dry rotted? Was only considering since it is a convertible. Don't want to take the chance of bolts breaking etc if no real benefit.

Thanks, Joe

 

if it ain't broke...

 

Lets assume the bushing are 40+ years old wouldnt you want new more plyable rubber? If the other were bad then I'm sure the others are collapsing, drying out, cracking though you may not see it from outside. Its a chance you take with replacing them. I am replacing them on the 71 while I'm doing all the suspension bushings.

 

Mine were really hard when I replaced them... about as plyable as glass...

 

What made them hard to change?

 

Most of the time they are rusted in place and the bolts can be compromised with rust increasing the chance of them breaking. Also the welds that hold the cage nut in the body sometimes break, so you may have to cut a hole to access the cage nut to break the bolt free and reweld the cage nut.

 

Mine were not hard to change...no stuck bolts or loose cage nuts.... the bushings themselves were hard and brittle.

 

I'm with the old if it ain't broke group also. Upper A arm bushings are a different animal as they are wear parts and their function is totally different. My body bushings were either missing or well on their way of being so. I was lucky as the bolts were still in good shape and easy to remove.

 

Thanks guys, seems split on advice. I did pull out one bolt. Was able to get out by hand and the bolt looked fine, little rust but no degradation. I will try and get a better look at them before I decide. As I mentioned, only considering since it is a convertible...

 

If you don't plan on taking the body off the frame leave well enough alone. You will for sure run in to the MAW monster.

 

I will also state that if your going to do it in your garage it's a pain and you'll need a couple of jacks. Air tools are a must. This job is much easier on a lift.

 

x2

I replaced the suspension bushings and components on my 64 98 and the ride quality improved substantially. That is a job that's a bit easier.

 

The new bushings also give you a bit more room to replace your brake and fuel lines with stainless... while you have the body lifted off.... MAW!

 

I am in the middle of this project and am curious of the fitment of the new bushings in the frame. Should the bushings fit snug in the holes in the frame or should there be some play (approximately 1/16" to 1/8"). A few of the holes in my frame need to be repaired so I want to purchase the right washers to weld into the frame. Thanks guys.

 

There will be alittle play with the bushings in the holes. What you describe is perfectly fine. If you had more like a 1/4" play then i would be worried. If you find a washer that gives you a tighter fit it will be fine just makesure its welded center so you have no issues bolting the mounts back up to the body.

 

Thanks Magna!

 

I hear everyone with the if it isn't broke but me I'm from the is it right now easy to get to ? I have my motor & trans out I'm replacing anything that will be a pain in the *** once the 455, headers, 3" custom dual exhaust, & trans go back in cause there is zero ,none, nada, no room to work. Major difference time wise in my **** ant garage.

 

It's not any easier or harder to do the body bushings whether the engine and trans is in the car or not. It still boils down to personal preference on whether to change something that does not seem worn out or not.

 

X2. All depends on how much work you want get into.