Rear OME shock lowering bushing size

[96r50]

Rear OME shock lower bushing size

So for the last couple of weeks I've been getting this clunking sound from the rear of the truck when I drive over bumps/potholes/small cars. It seems to be related to the compression and extension of the rear axle. When I first noticed it it seemed to be only from the driver's side, but this week it started coming from both sides. I slid under the truck today to check it out and after pushing/pulling/twisting/yanking on everything under the back end, I found that the lower end of the rear OME shocks were able to slide around back and forth on the shock mount (these are the two shock bushings that are not like the other six). I snugged both bolts with an 18" breaker bar and there is still some room there for them to wiggle back and forth, so I'm guessing the bushings have worn or shrunk somewhat and are allowing this play.

Anyone know the sizes/specs for the rear OME shock lower bushings? Will the OEM shock bushings work, as they are probably the easiest/fastest thing I can get my hands on if I can't find anything at the local parts stores tomorrow (assuming someone here is able to tell me the size by then!)

 

[Ebag333]

The inner dimension is .75 inches or 19 mm. I don't have the figure for the outer dimension. You will probably need to get OEM shock bushings if you're using OEM shocks as I doubt you'll be able to find a bushing that matches close enough to use, all shocks seem to use different sized bushings.

If you need new bushings though....you probably need new shocks.

 

[96r50]

Update: I emailed ARB USA tech/warranty support after posting this, and had a reply back the next day. Marc said that although the loose bushings were unusual, he would send out a pair of replacements as soon as they were back in stock.Fast forward to today, when I recieved the bushings. The new ones are black and have an angled hourglass shape to them. I emailed Marc to confirm that these were the right replacements (OME B36) and he reassured me that they are indeed correct for the axle mount on the rear shocks. All in all, another case of great customer service from ARB!

I took some measurements in case anyone wants them in future.
Inner diameter: 19mm
Height: 40mm
Maximum diameter: 38mm
Minimum diameter: 30mm

 

[Ebag333]

The new ones are black and have an angled hourglass shape to them. I emailed Marc to confirm that these were the right replacements (OME B36) and he reassured me that they are indeed correct for the axle mount on the rear shocks.

The Pro Comp's are the same way. The bushings in them are not hourglass shaped (straight) but the replacements are. Seems they're interchangable.

 

[96r50]

Good to know. I thought it was weird, but at least it's a common type of weird.

 

[96r50]

Another update: I finally got around to swapping the new bushings in today. I've been dreading doing this as I figured I'd have to fight with the lower shock mounting bolts that are known to seize up and snap off. I decided to give it a shot and what do you know, they came loose with no trouble. The lift was installed by lshobie when he owned the truck, and it seems that when he reinstalled the bolts he used a good amount of anti-seize. Louis, I owe you a beer at the next meeting!

The stock yellow bushings are the same hourglass shape as the black replacement ones, and the inside of the shock eyes are tapered inward to match. After prying the old ones out (they were splitting and crumbling) I greased the inside of the shock eyes and popped the new bushings in by hand. Maybe 15 minutes start to finish for both sides. The ride has definitely improved and the clunking sound is gone.

 

[clownmidget]

OME rear lower shock bushings

So a quick search shows that this is actually a lot more common than I thought. Mine were really shot, the wear seemed to start on the top middle and then wallowing out the bushing material making it thinner and thinner. I'm not a fan of having to special order something - especially from ARB-US, or even a shop that is known to have great customer service - so found that the Energy Suspensions 9-8109G (or 9.8109G) bushings are a perfect fit and easily sourced from a local auto parts store.