Wanted: Susupension Bushings - Request for advice

[ozm29c]

All,
Just putting this question out to forum members to ask if they have come across a threaded suspension bushing fitted to older vehicles that may be compatible with a weasel suspension bushing. I am looking for 5 replacement (2 and 3/4"inches long) threaded suspension bushings for my Weasel suspension as per the attached a photo. I have tried, with no success, the usual weasel spare parts vendors. Studebaker cars have 2 and 1/2"inches long bushings and older Chevs have 1 and 1/2"inches long but I am hoping that maybe other older vehicles could have had a longer bushing fitted. I look forward to your advice.
Cheers
John W.

[Ian Mastin]

Hi John,

The only one's I know of! But maybe to short for you, are the ones that go into the front spring hanger's from a 4x2 3ton LL chevy truck.



Regards
Ian

[ozm29c]

Thanks Ian for getting back to me. If the bushing is not 2.750"inches long, then unfortunately it will be too short. Are you taking the WOT up to Corowa this year?
Cheers
JW

[Mike Cecil]

You seem to have an example, so have you considered getting a set (or two) made? They look to be a straightforward design, so any competent machine shop could do the job. I found a local machinist that is very willing to make up parts or special tools like drifts, and even enjoys the unusual challenges I throw at him. Maybe you could find someone similar in your area?


Mike

[tankbarrell]

This struck a chord in the depths of my brain...... Sadly, what I remembered having turned out not to be the bushes but the bolts that presumably go in them.
Part no G179-01-48530, I have eight, nos, if any use.

[Ian Mastin]

Hi John,

No mate! Hoping to have it finish for next year, but still going up this year and taking jeep, are you come down for it ?.



Regards
Ian

[Mike Kelly]

hi John

If it was me doing it, I would make the bushes in a lathe use a tap to thread the bore > Something like 1045 steel may be OK .045% carbon .

http://www.tracytools.com/11-16-x-11-tpi

You need a fair bit of grunt to tap that diameter thread , strong muscles I've seen power tapping done on a lathe , never done it myself .

[Phil Waterman]

Hi

One source to remember is old line spring shop, when I was looking for new shakle pins for my HUP I did a drawing of the pins and sent it to the two old spring shops in the state. They knew how to look at and measure pins not just look up application's in a computer.

One of shops responded that they thought they could help, went over and one of the old parts guys took me out in the parts bins and he matched all the pins and bushings. Only thing that could not find was the pins with the correct bolt notchs.

Solution was relatively simple just ground the correct notches in the pins.

Total cost under a $100 US

If this approach didn't work then as Mike suggest making them is the most logical next step.

One of the problems in hunting for parts today is that to many of the parts counter people do not have a clue if they can not find it in the computer they don't have it. Generaly I take a picture of the truck and the parts I'm looking for with me. If they are some what interested then you have a better chance.

Cheers Phil