Let me clear up a couple of points. First, the axles will extend and contract freely, so they have no bearing on control of lateral forces. That is a function of the 2 point mounting system and the inner mount.

Secondly, there is no better solution than to have Chuck's Elephant Racing polybronze busings installed at the rear. In keeping with Chuck's method, I chose to have the smaller diameter rotate, even though his bushings rotate internally and not on any of the stock parts. But, they rotate closer to the ID than the OD. The shaft of the spring plate is a much more true surface than the shape of the cup at the end of the tube. I don't think the cup was ever intended as as true surface in which anything would rotate.

I really am going to stand firm on this that the outer diameter of any bushing on the spring plate should remain static in the body. Hopefully someone else will support my thinking, but if not, I'll stand alone.

Further, if the whole thing is lubed, the rotation will occur at the smaller diameter due to less resistance. If you glue the smaller diameter, you are working against natural forces.

Harry - Gamroth ought to know... but did you ask him why? He may have information we don't or he may have just recited that to you because the factory did it that way.

If it is an issue re stiction, then somebody will have to offer an explanation for why ... Otherwise, lack of rubbing and hence longevity makes the most sense to me.

Several good points above - I can't even remember how I did mine a few years ago. My main question is whether I want to tear the things apart again, now that the Elephant system is available...

Milt:
I thought this over today. The outer bushing should be static in relation to the cover and torque tube, as you contend. I think the inner should also be bound, due to the nature of the rubber bushing.

I looked at the Elephant setup today on the website...that is slick, and approximates having a bearing versus a bushing.

Pat

OK, if one choses to lube them what should be used? Di-electric grease? Hope so, that's what I used on all surfaces.

silicone grease (aka Stocock grease) - it won't harm rubber wehreas petroleum greases will - dunno re di-electric grease.