cross member bushing back onto frame

[Dave K.]

Doing a frame off restoration and putting chassis back together. Having a hard time drawing the cross member bushing so it is fully seated against the metal flange. I lined the inner bushing with anti sieze and both bolts are starting to turn hard (exceeding 25 ft. lbs which is the torque spec I believe). What am I doing wrong??

[Bill W.]

Re: cross member bushing back onto frame

I just run a tap into the frame to clean the threads and used new bolts .I put white grease in the cups .

[Timothy B.]

Re: cross member bushing back onto frame

Doing a frame off restoration and putting chassis back together. Having a hard time drawing the cross member bushing so it is fully seated against the metal flange. I lined the inner bushing with anti sieze and both bolts are starting to turn hard (exceeding 25 ft. lbs which is the torque spec I believe). What am I doing wrong??

Dave, Do some research here, I don't believe the bushing draws completely up to the top. Are you working on a 63 car? The reason I ask is because of the torque spec you quoted, from my memory the 63 AIM has the incorrect spec on the grade eight bolts that attach the crossmember to the frame, I think the correct spec is 65 ftlbs.

[Duke W.]

Re: cross member bushing back onto frame

I'm not sure if the weld nuts on the hat are hardened - at least on '63s, which is probably why the '63 torque spec is less than later years that might have had hardened weld nuts, so follow the AIM torque spec for your specific year frame.

You definitely don't want to strip the threads on those weld nuts.

Also, use a silicone based lubricant, and silicone spray lube is probably okay. The rubber may not be compounded to resist attack from petroleum based lubricants.

Duke

[Michael W.]

Re: cross member bushing back onto frame

Having a hard time drawing the cross member bushing so it is fully seated against the metal flange.

The crossmember is not supposed to seat against the flange. 25 ft/lbs torque is more than sufficient to draw the cups into their design position.

[Wayne M.]

Re: cross member bushing back onto frame

Gm admits in this TSB dated Nov '65 that the 20-30 ft.lbs was an error, and that it should b 55-65 ft.lbs.