original A arm bushings reinstall
 

Hello, I have a 73T which is undergoing a fairly extensive restoration and am now working on the front end. All parts have been blasted and powder coated. When I disassembled the A arms I was able to get the original rubber bushings off in one piece. Much to my surprise they were in pretty good shape, not diried up or cracked at all. One exception is the rear driver side which is slightly off centred due to the constant weight on this bushing. I am considering reusing these bushings seeing as there is no option besides poly or elephant.

I have a few questions before I attempt this:

1. Has anybody done this and how hard will they be to reinstall?

2. Should I move the driver side to the passenger side to have the better bushing under the driver?

3. The fronts are in perfect shape. Should I consider moving these to the rear? I know they have small tangs, these could be easily removed. How important are they for the front if the rears were moved forward with no tangs.

Thanks, Joe

bump

It is my understanding that these OEM rubber bushings were vulcanized in place and that new rubber ones have to be installed the same way (I believe someone offers this service - you ship them the A-arms). The other option is to buy new A-arms or go with the harder aftermarket plastic or all metal bushings.