1969 trailing arm bushing bolts

[William S.]

How snug should the bolts on the rear trailing arm bushings be in the sleeves? I bought a set that includes the bolts, bushings and sleeves and the bolts seem a little loose in the sleeves. I think this isn't a big deal because it won't cause any side-to-side play but wanted to see whether anyone had some guidance. Thanks.

[Larry M.]

Re: 1969 trailing arm bushing bolts

Originals had very little clearance, and usually rusted to the sleeve during use.

I would probably try another supplier.....although it could be the sleeve versus the bolt that is the issue. Richard Fortier (former Paragon owner) sells replated originals if you are looking for correct head marks. That is what I used for my 1967 car.

Larry

[William S.]

Re: 1969 trailing arm bushing bolts

I think it might be the sleeve. Unfortunately I didn't notice it until I put the sleeve in and flared it. I bought another bolt and sleeve from another supplier and I'll check them. I would hate to have to take the sleeve out again. I guess the risk is that if there's too much play it could cause a vibration, which I don't want after doing all this work. I'll see what the new ones look like and decide then.

[William S.]

Re: 1969 trailing arm bushing bolts

Just got the bolt and sleeve from another supplier and they are very snug. The bolt from the previous supplier won't even go through the sleeve from the new supplier, so the sleeve from the original supplier must be much bigger. It never occurred to me to check this, but I"m sure I'll remember after I drill out the sleeve and (hopefully) don't damage the bushing. Live and learn.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 trailing arm bushing bolts

Just got the bolt and sleeve from another supplier and they are very snug. The bolt from the previous supplier won't even go through the sleeve from the new supplier, so the sleeve from the original supplier must be much bigger. It never occurred to me to check this, but I"m sure I'll remember after I drill out the sleeve and (hopefully) don't damage the bushing. Live and learn.

William------

The bushing retainer (tube which goes through and retains the bushings and through which the bolts pass) should have an OD of 0.636" and an ID of 0.433" with an overall length of 2.236". If the dimensional specs differ very much from these, the retainers are off-spec and should not be used.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1969 trailing arm bushing bolts

William,

I use bushing kits from Bair's and have to use a drill after flaring the bushing so that the bolt will go thru.

JR

[Gary R.]

Re: 1969 trailing arm bushing bolts

William,

I use bushing kits from Bair's and have to use a drill after flaring the bushing so that the bolt will go thru.

JR

Same here, I have found some lousy bushings on the market from some well known places. Trouble is the person taking the order usually has no clue on how these are supposed to fit and be installed. I use only the bushings from Bair's and will sometimes have to open up as Joe mentions.