74 suspension installation issue

[drcoastline]

So I took my suspension out to clean up. The original intent was to replace the bushings, ball joints, tie rods, etc. While out I also cleaned up the bottom of the car. After the bottom was cleaned up I turned my attention to researching the torsion bar Bushings. After a few YouTube vides I decided not to replace the bushings. I simply cleaned up the control arms and cross member. I am now attempting to put the assembly back on the car. But, I cannot get it to go back in. No matter which configuration I use the last bolt is about 3/16" off. To It seems the assembly is sitting to far forward. In the first photo you can see the nick in the undercoat where the front of the tube hit the body. Jim Tweet came by to offer some insight he pointed out that it looks like the bushings may not be seated all the way. It also appears the passenger side cap may be farther back than the driver side. By about the same amount the mounting points are off.

Again this assembly is exactly how it came out of the car, so how could this not go back in even if this is not properly set up?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[0396]

I hate to say it, but you answered your own question.

[Trackrash]

Not sure if you removed and replaced that bushing, but installing those requires a clamp or similar to push it all the way in.

[drcoastline]

Thanks guys but it has not been touched. Other than being degreased and sprayed with a coat of SEM rust shield it is exactly as it came off of the car.

[manbridge 74]

Possibly someone replaced them before as the gap in 3rd picture is too large. Heat it up with a heat gun and push it closer together.

Just did mine recently and there was quite the "stair step" where the bushings were no longer concentric. Yours doesn't have this so I'm thinking after bushing replacement arms were pried into place and bolted up.

[Trackrash]

They could have been in tension and relaxed when removed. Look at #10 here. 1988 911 Cab Front Suspension Refresh

[Jeff Burger]

Get a pipe clamp and put the squeeze on it to elimnate the gap. if it just pushes back when you take the pipe clamp off, you will have to use the clamp to hold it squeezed together as you mount the bolts. you will also probably have to rotate the arm to better match the angle of the front flange to the mounting surface - good luck

[drcoastline]

Thanks again for all the replies.

Jeff (manbridge74) and Jeff Burger, I will give your suggestions a try. Thanks for the help.

DRC

[jimtweet]

RSR bushings from Rebel!!!! Can't go wrong

[drcoastline]

Not me bro, we've been through this already. Good old fashioned rubbers for me.

Yes and thank you to you to for stopping by and taking a look.

[drcoastline]

Thanks for all the advice guys. So Manbridge and Jeff Burger. So I smeared on a little liquid soap and I put a pipe clamp on. They closed right up. I put a small bar clamp on the bottom to close up the gap. I am going to let sit over night to let the soap dry to see if they stay. I must say though. I think Jim Tweet is correct should probably replace the bushings while the suspension is out.

[jimtweet]

Never reuse rubbers

[drcoastline]

NEVER! They could break you loose control and then that fun little ride is nagging you for the next eighteen years.