I went to the parts store today to get front suspension parts and when it came to the a frame bushing he asked if I had the circle or oval ones. I have no way of telling so I was wondering if you guys can help me out.

 

Look under car at the lower a arm. The bushing toward the back of car is the one they are talking about. You will be able to look at it to determine if it is round or oval. Mine were oval.

 

The lower A arm rear bushing is oval on my 72 and the 70 olds parts car I had.

 

Your car is 72. So unless someone has swapped out the control arms they will be oval.

 

According the the Olds parts book, the change to oval was made early in the 1969 model year.

 

Ok, I dont have the car so I'm going to going with oval. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks!!

 

I would buy both the round and the oval ones. That way you you will have the "right ones" when you need them , regardless which style your car happens to have. Then return the unused parts to the store when the project is finished

 

Sounds even better!! Thanks!!

 

Just crawl under that car with a flashlight and you will be able to see if it is oval or round. I did it easily.

 

That's cause you're way more skinny than me...

Actually an easier way is just look at the Assembly Manual or CSM for the car. It's pretty well spelled out in pictures there. see pages 100, 102 http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/membe...Sect_2_-_5.pdf

Page 3-21 in the CSM has an excellent pic showing the different size bushings http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/membe...ection_2-3.pdf

 

Generally, oval was for smoother ride, round was for tighter steering.

Ovals were used on most, if not all Oldsmobile coupes and sedans, round were used on some station wagons, El Caminos, and some high-performance Chebbies (and maybe other makes).

Since the car's been around for a while, what you actually find on it is anyone's guess, but the odds are they will be oval.

- Eric