Front Suspension - Need some guidance - Pics

[dukhunter20]

I pulled the bushings off of my a-arms yesterday. The process was a little tough but got them off. I had a few questions before slapping on the new bushings and putting the front end back up.

First, how bad is this rust. I'm not sure what is acceptable and what is not. If it helps, I had a little difficulty getting the t-bars out and one looked pretty rusted. Also the t-bar seal on this side was completly rusted away and decentegrated when i pulled it out.









Profile of right side front bushing.



I didn't know if there was anyway to mabe sand or salvage these rust spots, except t-bars (i'm replacing those ). Thanks.

[Evans, Marv]

Looks like you did a good job of getting the old rubber bushings off. That rust isn't anything more than normal. The A-arms are really sturdy and almost never rust to the point of becomeing weak. I would just use some Scotchbright or steel wool on it ( the whole surface where the bushing was) & maybe some fogging oil or something else on it to keep rust down a little. Can't see the torsion bar very well, so I can't comment on it. Since you're replacing them, it's a moot point. I'd also get a round soft steel or brass brush and work it back & forth through the splines to clean them out. I'd also use some anti-seize on them when you put them back together with the new ones. The good bushings are Chuck Moreland's polybronze bushings. Also good and cheaper are Neatrix (sp ?). They are closer to the factory rubber ones you took off, but far better.
Have fun & good luck.

[trak ratt]

The rust on the torsion bar is likely from a failed bushing. Bar rubs on A-arm then rusts. Bars are probably toast. As said clean the end of the a-arm repaint