Suspension project next step (pics) trailing arm bushings!

[Grezdlitn]

After tacking on the spring plate bushings with my pipe wrench I decided it was time for the trailing arm bushings. I had ordered replacement bushing but after removing the existing ones it was evident that what I recieved were not correct (ordering error on my end). when I called Pelican the proper parts were $41 each with four required. Elephant racing wants $250 for mono-ball replacements....both solutions a little pricey. I was more concerned about time lost shipping than the price so decided to make my own.

I had on hand some Delrin (a teflon like product) and proceeded to turn the replacements on a lathe. I read lots of threads on various type replacement bushing materials and this seemed like a suitable substitute. I hope there is enough give for the alignment to come into compliance. A few pics tell the story.




The third pic shows the old factory part, the new (misordered) part and my homemade solution.

When installed this afternoon the fitment went well and the slop in the trailing arm was almost nil. What do you think? Am I on the right track?

Mark

[Charlie V]

Impressive. You do have talent.

Any idea of the durability of the material you used?? I'm just thinking of the alignment and coner balance each time you need to go into the suspension.

Cheers.

[herman maire]

I think thats a pretty impressive solution. If there a really tight fit I cant see there being a problem in keeping the goemetry setting. I like the price also.

What are the chances of making another set.
I would try my luck at it but dont have a lathe yet and dont see one in the near future. How much would a low end lathe sell for? yours looks pretty heavy duty.

[Grezdlitn]

I don't think durability will be a problem. I made a set of boggy wheels for a riding lawn-mower, they rode in direct contact with the ground with the full weight of the mower deck. Lasted about for seasons.

The lathe is about fourty-five years old and purchased from a garage sale for about $275. I'm not a machinist and everything I know about it is self taught. It's been a life saver on many occasions.

Considering I only value my time at $0.25 per hour it would probably be cheaper to buy a set from our host. It took about six man hours to produce the mandrels to turn on, and finish the bushings. All the pieces were on hand and I didn't have to make a savaging run....

[michel richard]

I'm a little like you, self taught machinist with an old lathe bought very used. I take my wrist watch off and roll up my sleeves when I'm working on it, though.
Not sure it's necessary, but would hate to catch something.
Michel Richard

[michel richard]

Nice bushings, I should have added.

M

[Elombard]

Not a good idea, arm needs to swing in two axis, this will cause binding....however it is similar to the weltmeister delrin sets. I had these in my car(I did not realize this until I went to switch to monoballs) and they worked, very noisy. Since you have a lathe why not buy two bearings and turn up the spacers? I think the bearings are about $20 a piece.

Let us know how it rides when you are done.

[ianc]

Very impressive! If you meet with success in your road-testing, maybe you can make more for the insatiables here seeing as how you've already got the mandrels made...

ianc