Control Arm Bushings

[Stan F.]

Looking for the correct style control arm bushings for my 1970 coupe. Does GM service a correct replacement for these and if not, is there anybody in the aftermarket who does?

Regards,

Stan Falenski NCRS# 24272

[Joe L.]

Re: Control Arm Bushings

Stan----

The currently available LOWER control arm bushings, GM #3714368, are identical to the originals. These bushings are manufactured by a company by the name of "Harris" and, I believe, have always been.

The currently available UPPER control arm bushings are configured slightly differently from the originals. The originals were GM #3711826 and were also manufactured by Harris. In about 1973, or so, GM replaced these for PRODUCTION and SERVICE with GM #401267, which continues to be available in SERVICE. This bushing, manufactured by Clevite, is slightly different than the original part. Basically, the difference is the fact that in the latter part, the outer steel shell extends all the way to the inner end of the rubber bushing. In the original part there was a small section of the rubber bushing exposed on the inner end. You can understand this configuration easily if you look at the currently available lower bushings. The configuration of the original upper bushings, except for size of course, was identical to the lowers.

As far as I know, the original configuration upper bushings are unavailable. They are also relatively difficult to locate in NOS form. All of the available bushings, from GM or aftermarket, are usually the Clevite manufactured bushing which GM sells under the 401267 part number.

[George Daina]

I might have a lead on NOS upper bushings......

I'll check with the guy, I just got a set for mine, cost me an arm and a leg, $30.00/4. I'll get back to you later when I find out if he has any more. GM sells lower, mfg by both Clevite & Harris. It's a crap shoot as to what you get. First order I got the correct lower bushings, second order, as spares, I got bushings mfg. by Clevite.