Advice on shackle bushes (1 Viewer)

[Mustangstolli]

I am in the process of installing 60 series leaf springs on my pre 1980 40 series. I am using the ome bush kit - below is a photo of the bush kit/part number. Also is a photo of one of the bushes. Notice the flutes on the OD? Does this mean the bush rotates inside the leaf spring rather than the pin rotating in the ID?
It is quite a loose fit in the leaf eye.

 

[BionicCruiser]

those are usually for grease and it should be a snug fit. mine went in by hand mostly, but with some fist pounding on them.

 

[Mustangstolli]

I guess that's my question - if the flutes are for grease, then it seems the OD is meant to turn inside the spring eye - otherwise why lube it?
There are no flutes on the ID - so no grease can lube the pin...
Does it matter if the bush turns inside the spring eye or pin turns inside the bush - or a bit of both?

 

[Fast Eddy]

IMO, you want the pin to spin in the bushing, not the bushing in the spring eye. If there were any wear in any of the parts, the spring eye is where you want wear the least.

I'm guessing those flutes are just so it can go in a bit easier.

 

[Mustangstolli]

I guess that means my spring eye is slightly worn (at least in the leaf pack I tried the bush in) as it went in with very little effort and turned quite easily.
Do you think it will cause a problem?
They were second hand leaves I bought to set up the suspension. Long term I'll probably replace them with new ones.
Install with plenty of grease and monitor?

 

[BionicCruiser]

you are correct, the grooves I've seen before are on the inside, now that I think about it. the pin should be the part moving. I'm not familiar with that brand of bushings, so fit I have no idea if they are wrong or not. but I've never had one that wasn't pretty snug.
I think they would wear faster and possibly create some slop in the suspension over time. try all the spring eyes for fit.

 

[Angelo]

This thread was helpful, as I am getting ready to do my first bushing replacement.
But I would like to get an idea of how long Poly (OME) bushings generally last?

 

[Mustangstolli]

Poly is meant to last a lot longer than rubber (for car applications). I haven't had much experience long term with poly shackle bushes - but on my 80 series offset castor bushes the poly ones did not allow as much flex and seemed to wear out (from damage) quicker.

 

[maxamillion2345]

Put the sleeve in it and itll tighten up. Grease everything.

Bushings.

 

[Mace]

OME Springs have a shim in the eyes that may be the difference you see.

Other than that, I'd just install and run'em.