Trailing arm bushing on SWB

[EarlyPorsche]

How easy or hard is it to install new trailing arm bushings on a SWB car. I have set the torsions before, so I know how to take it all apart. How do I replace the bushings, just slide them off? Any tips on replacements, where can I get them?

[carsngolf]

When you say "trailing arm", I'm hoping you mean the part which is commonly called a spring plate. If not, my comments will mean little, but here goes...... The bushings which mount on the spring plate are very roughly about 3" ID. I replaced them on my '65 (301278) several years ago but at the time the only ones available were "Neatrix". This is a composite material which is much harder but supposedly had very good wear characteristics. I was assured they would fit my '65. Hah! No way! '65 and '66's had a narrower inside bushing and I finally ended up machining them down so they would fit. The ones I was sold would only fit '67's and later. When they were finally fitted, they did improve the handling somewhat but they squeek constantly and taking them apart for lubrication only works for a short time. Since then, rubber parts per the originals are now available. For noise isolation, softer ride and hopefully no squeeking, that's my recommendation. The only other option in my opinion is Elephant Racing parts. They are composite but can be lubricated via grease fittings. They're more expensive than the rubber pieces but doubtlessly more efficient for racing.
Since you've already taken the torsion bar/spring plate thing apart previously, you know what's involved. Taking off the old bushings is simply a matter of prying or cutting. They're a "slip on" thing.
Good luck,
Jerry Weiland

[EarlyPorsche]

Ok great, thanks Jerry.