mitchy

Hey guys I need your expertise on the condition of my bushings in my pumpkin. I went through hell swapping out the ones in my conrol arms and i know the ones above the pumpkin need to be done carefully so im curious if you think there in ok condition to reuse. thanks!!!

svnt442

Swap em. And make sure you use a different driveshaft or your going to have issues. The O axle takes a longer driveshaft than that one does and you'll end up damaging the trans.

mitchy

Ya Im currently having a new drive shaft made with new u joints and a slip yoke. Also, have new mounting hardware ordered.

svnt442

Good deal.

Allan R

Replace the bushings. If you don't want to do it yourself take it to a shop and have them pressed out and new ones pressed in. The ears on the O axle are much easier to work with than the 10 bolt corporate.

cman442

I agree on replacing the bushings. They are easier to get out than put in. Just drill a bunch of holes in the rubber then use a chisel and hit the flange side of the steel of the bushing towards the core. It will eventually cave in and fall out. I made a special tool for installing the new bushings. I can take a picture of it. Btw also make sure you measure your drive shaft length correctly! Too loose or too tight can tear up yoke and trans bushing.

Allan R

Here's a cool video to remove those bushings easier. Wish I'd seen it before I did mine.


this one is to install

mitchy

Well they were semi easy to get out, but I had to use a ball joint press to get them back in. I tried to use those videos for reference but mine weren't that easy. Now all I need is my new drive shaft and its all good to go!! Thanks guys

Allan R

Nice job! You'll likely notice the difference in handling. You are replacing all the bushings right? Even the ones on the lower control arms should be done. And of course if you're doing those, the front control arms will likely need attention, as will the sway bar bushings.Life is such a joy if you don't let the MAWs creep in.

mitchy

Yup every bushing and ball joint on the car is new.��

Allan R

It's sooo much fun isn't it?? Especially that upper control arm and the cross shaft.

mitchy

Yup... and I just got my new drive shaft today.

Fun71

Can you post the length measurements for the two drive shafts?
I need the length to determine which shafts go with the O-Type and which go with the corporate 10 bolt.

I shoulda marked 'em when I pulled em.

svnt442

Longer is for the type-O.

troyd

Suspension MAW's are a killer.....2 years ago, what started out as just some new shocks turned in to an entire new front suspension and all new bushings all around.

Ugh. I still have nightmares about bushings. All things considered, to do again, I'd probably take them to a machine shop.

The whole thing started by clicking on Rob Young's under hood resto thread.....I blame him for my PTSD.

I digress, it was well worth the work and made a world of difference in the handling of the car.

Cheers,

Troy

Fun71

That I know, but I would like actual length of each.

Allan R

Been there done that. Same thing, same culprit inspired me. I ended up doing the whole nine yards on the front and also the rear.

troyd

If I ever run into Rob, I don't know if I want to buy him a beer or twelve or kick him square in the bean bag....

Cheers,

Troy

Allan R

Too funny. He's a really good guy - and funny too. I'd opt for buying the beers.

troyd

Ahhh, if I ever run in to any of you guys, I'll even ply you with my GOOD booze. Seriously, you guys motivate me....

(apologize for the non-value added chatter)

Cheers,

Troy