Let's end the control arm bushing debate

[Wrencher93]

Setting the bushes without load is the correct method, job done. My original bushes lasted 26 years so.......,,

Regards

Dave

Without load, yes. Without vehicle weight, no. But I think that's what you meant so

Does the fsm not explain bushing installation?

This is how the bushings in my delta arms were installed when I unboxed them and is really the only way that makes sense when you think about how the bushing needs to deflect as the arm twists in te bracket.

I agree except I don't think the way the divots in the bushing material function is super intuitive. If you think about them as a folding point then what you're saying about it being "the only way it makes sense" is true. If you think of them simply as a softer point in the bushing then either orientation could seem correct. Either way, the "new" orientation is what Mr. T ordered and it seems to work.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

Does the fsm not explain bushing installation?

If there is a technical service bulletin showing the previous installation orientation as incorrect with a new orientation to use, then chances are the fsm is incorrect if it does cover installation orientation.

But either way, I didn't even know they had holes that needed to be aligned until I opened the box from cruiser outfitters. I just ordered some bushings and took the package to my buddies to install them with his press. I didn't think about checking the FSM(step#6 ) when my buddy asked me what way they should be pressed in. He is a long time tech and it was his opinion they should be installed with the holes in the 3 and 9 position. I just pulled the other arm and that is also how they were installed, so I agreed with him and that's the way we installed them.

Interestingly enough, my buddy actually went off on a rant that night. He was complaining about all the alignments he has had to fix for other techs that couldn't get it right on 4x4's. According to him, most of the time these vehicles had just been lifted by the other techs, the first thing he would do is loosen all the suspension hardware, lower the vehicle, set & bounce the suspension, than proceed to torque everything with the vehicle on the ground. This would supposedly fix a majority of the alignemnt/driveability issues that he encountered in 4x4's. I made sure to file this technique away in the gray matter.

 

[Dave 2000]

Without load, yes. Without vehicle weight, no. But I think that's what you meant so

Yes correct, the vehicle weight being the load.

Regards

Dave

 

[Railwelder93]

I’ll toss another log on the fire

Here are the dobinsons branded (non-cc) replacements I opened up today. They have kind of an interesting non symmetrical pattern.

 

[BILT4ME]

I’ll toss another log on the fire

Here are the dobinsons branded (non-cc) replacements I opened up today. They have kind of an interesting non symmetrical pattern.
View attachment 2586591

Do they tell you which way to orient them in their instructions?

 

[Railwelder93]

Do they tell you which way to orient them in their instructions?

No instructions, but I’m guessing the hollow void in the bottom of the picture needs to go up.

@crikeymike whats the word on these?

RB59-536K axle end radius arm bushings​

 

[alia176]

No instructions, but I’m guessing the hollow void in the bottom of the picture needs to go up.

@crikeymike whats the word on these?

RB59-536K axle end radius arm bushings​

I'd simply follow the instructions on the TSB uploaded previously in this thread.

 

[Railwelder93]

I'd simply follow the instructions on the TSB uploaded previously in this thread.

Different bushings

 

[baldilocks]

Seven pages? You guys are not ending the bushing debate very quickly.

 

[Railwelder93]

Seven pages? You guys are not ending the bushing debate very quickly.

More of a discussion

 

[Broski]

The other issue with the bushings is with the modified suspension the bushings are seeing a lot more travel then they're designed for

 

[alia176]

Different bushings

Yeah but the same "holy" concept, no?

 

[Railwelder93]

Yeah but the same "holy" concept, no?

Not sure. They only have one void and an asymmetric kinda beefed up area.

 

[Dave 2000]

I found it odd that Toyota elected to change the bush orientation, only one of my OE bushes became badly worn after over 25 years. I replaced the arms with Peddars which came with the bushes fitted completely wrong.

Long story but I got it sorted and fitted them with the later change.

Was the change more about comfort, I doubt it had anything to do with longevity?

@baldilocks just stretching the thread a little further.

Regards

Dave

 

[Squeegee]

I’ll toss another log on the fire

Here are the dobinsons branded (non-cc) replacements I opened up today. They have kind of an interesting non symmetrical pattern.
View attachment 2586591

I was actually just looking at these! The built in voids look like they’ll decrease the amount of strain that the bushings experience when flexed out.
How have they lasted in the last couple of months?? Anybody else have any experience with them?

 

[baldilocks]

I was actually just looking at these! The built in voids look like they’ll decrease the amount of strain that the bushings experience when flexed out.
How have they lasted in the last couple of months?? Anybody else have any experience with them?

The Toyota bushings have voids and the rubber is very elastic.

 

[Squeegee]

The Toyota bushings have voids and the rubber is very elastic.

These appear to be much larger. I know that oem bushings live on top of the food chain but I’m always interested in exploring new options.

 

[baldilocks]

These appear to be much larger. I know that oem bushings live on top of the food chain but I’m always interested in exploring new options.

How can a larger bushing fit in the stock hole?

 

[NLXTACY]

Just replaced all the suspension bushings on a customer’s 80. Went from Dobinson’s poly s*** back to OEM. Damn that stuff is junk.

 

[mudgudgeon]

I was actually just looking at these! The built in voids look like they’ll decrease the amount of strain that the bushings experience when flexed out.
How have they lasted in the last couple of months?? Anybody else have any experience with them?

I have some that look like this in my 93, but they weren't from dobinsons

Longevity has not been great at all. OEM bushes are on the list. Mine were not dobinsons, so take that as you will.

I oriented them with voids oriented as per OEM holes