trailing arm bushing install Options

[Amphicar770]

OK, finally starting to put things back together. New bearings went into freshly powder coated trailing arms this evening.

I then went to install the new rubber bushings and pivot shaft from Elephant Racing and here is where I am running into problems even with their tool set.

Per their instructions you set the bushings in the trailing arm and then using a pipe clamp and the provided tools, you soap the heck out of the parts and insert the pivot shaft through the one bushing and push it all the way through with pressure from the pipe clamp.

Works well for the first few inches until the pivot shaft starts pulling the bushing down through the trailing arm. Getting everything back out was not fun, could only do it using my press.

In watching a redneck video His description) the guy seems to put the pivot shaft on first and then push the bushings in at both ends. First seems to go easy, second he helps along with a hammer and a tool to fit over the bushing.

Anyway, suggestions on best approach welcomed. I really figured that by paying a premium for the set with the tools that this would be simple. Arrrgh.

Thanks,

Mike

[BeatNavy]

I just went through this process this weekend. I can say unequivocally, without reservation or qualification, that this process is indeed a BITCH. I experienced both problems the OP had - the bushing get pulled into the trailing arm and the bushing not flush against the trailing arm. It didn't help when my harbor freight press bottle jack went south. I spent two days trying to bleed that thing with no luck, and finally just bought a new bottle jack.

A couple of things to note:

1. I agree with their recommendation to NOT put soap on the OD of the rubber bushings before installing in the arm. When I did that, that's when the bushing would get pulled into the arm.

2. When the bushing starts getting pulled into the arm, the pivot shaft is completely stuck to the rubber. Give up and start over at that point with more soap. Keep trying until the rubber doesn't stick.

3. It's good to have a second person to help. This is exhausting partially because you have to keep re-positioning the press shelf and cranking the jack many times.

4. This will take several attempts. Have a pipe available with an OD smaller than the ID of the bushing so you can easily push the shaft partially out before trying again.

None of these will really make sense unless you've tried this. It can be done, but it is not easy.