C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

[Ronald L.]

The big box shops show two kinds of rear strut rod bushings, pictures attached, the second version has an outer metal sleeve.

Any preference, accuracy of alignment, or judging issues if the second design is used with original strut rods?

[Donald O.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

The big box shops show two kinds of rear strut rod bushings, pictures attached, the second version has an outer metal sleeve.

Any preference, accuracy of alignment, or judging issues if the second design is used with original strut rods?

My 67 still had the originals and they had the outer sleeve. My replacements do too.

[Alan D.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

My 64 had originals - NO outer sleeve just rubber and that's how it was done on the production line. The outer metal sleeve are GM service replacement.
The GM replacements are the only way to go!!!

Check out past discussions on the issue for a much better discussion on why to use the service replacements only, know they convinced me.

One thing - the replacements may cost you some points in the field since the originals only existed on the production floor. As you can see the C2 washers are a smaller size. Second since the replacements have the outer sleeve the rubber is no longer sticking out. Well minor points only.

[Ronald L.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

Long Island has the original style.

I looked in the forum search but did not see anything relative to performance. I could imagine ground out potential and improved stability give its mostly metal, but is that necessary given the car is not race driven?

[Alan D.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

Yes Ron I purchased those LI parts also however other board members convinced me to go with the service replacements. (I just could not find the posts either, they may have email me directly)
The replacements are around $12-$14 each from GM try - http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=24234

Oh, you will need to press these in which can be a PITA.

[Ronald L.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

I have a set of the replacements, was thinking there probably is a way to get a ring of squeezed out rubber around each end into the metal plate retainer.

Perhaps by slicing off a section of the old one or a 1/8" shaving off a bypass hose has the right diameter.

That would make this a PITA x4 + 8 additional PITA's.

Maybe one of the west coast experts will weigh in. For a car rarely driven and the PITA it is to get these out, might as well do it only once.

[Tracy C.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

Ron,

If you don't have a shop press, a blue wrench will help get these out pronto. Just take them outside to light 'em up. It's get pretty stinky.

tc

[Ronald L.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

Tracy, isn't it, that is the way everything came apart on the first 66 way back when.

[Scott S.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

The big box shops show two kinds of rear strut rod bushings, pictures attached, the second version has an outer metal sleeve.

Any preference, accuracy of alignment, or judging issues if the second design is used with original strut rods?

Hi Ron,

I researched this in the archives a while back, read about at least one negative experience with the durability (or lack thereof) of the reproductions, and did not read anything positive about the reproduction strut rod bushings.

About judging, "Strut rod assemblies and stabilizer bar assembly (if equipped)" (found on NCRS 1963-1967 Chassis Judging Sheet, page 3, number 13, "Rear Suspension", Item 4) is 5 points originality and 5 points condition. If CDCIF is 20% each (see Judging Reference Manual, 8th edition, p. 26), and if GM service replacement strut rod bushings were detected by a chassis judge, it seems it would break down this way:

"C" (configuration) - deduction

"D" (date) - not applicable/no deduct

"C" (completeness) - no deduct

"I" (installation) - no deduct

"F" (finish) - deduction

5 originality points minus 40% = 3 points out of 5.

I certainly may have figured that wrong, if so, someone please show me. If the car was only going to be driven onto and off of a trailer, I might think about getting the reproduction strut rod bushings. For a car that is going to be driven on the street, I would want OEM quality suspension parts.

Also, Bairs shows that they now have the correct size end-caps for 1963 through 1974 strut rod bushings. Bairs #5237, product listing says: 63-74 Rear Strut Rod CAP (#9) CORRECT SIZE Takes 4 per Car

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

ALL 1963-82 Corvette strut rods (including the 63-74 style, 75-79 style, and 80-82 style) used end bushings that were VULCANIZED IN PLACE. This included BOTH PRODUCTION and SERVICE strut rod assemblies.

If a strut rod was to be re-bushed in SERVICE, the vulcanized-in-place bushing had to be removed. Then, a GM SERVICE bushing was installed. ALL GM SERVICE bushings used a steel outer shell, with the rubber bushing vulcanized-in-place. Until recently, most aftermarket SERVICE bushings, except polyurethane bushings, were of the same construction.

Recently, rubber bushings have come on the market which use no steel outer shell. These bushings press directly into the orifices on either end of the strut rods. Presumably, the reason for these bushings is to achieve the appearance of original configuration with a non-steel shelled bushing.

Would I use or recommend such a bushing? Never.

[Ronald L.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

Tracy, Got these out quickly using a wood-shop vice and a pair of sockets, push out the inner sleeve with a tapered impact socket and the rubber pops loose, into the larger socket on the opposite end. Was a lot faster that burning them out and the garage is fume free!

[Tracy C.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

Great way to improvise on a shop press. Good luck on the rest of the task.

tc

[Stephen L.]

Re: C2 Strud Rod Bushings - which ones to use?

I've just drilled out the rubber portion and the center falls out. Same for front "A" arm bushings.