69 Rear strut rod problems...

[Greg L.]

While trying to install my rear strut rods I noticed that both bushings have an I/D of about .630 and that the camber adjusting bolt is only about .500. I checked the common vendors and none make mention to different sized inside diameter bushings but I did notice that some show a bushing/washer item that is only shown for the camber adjusting end...

Is this bushing/washer part supposed to act as a bushing between the shock mount and strut rod? I thought that they were only used with the original type of rubber bushings so if I still need them I'll have to dig them out. Sure glad I didn't throw anything out if I do need them.

Oh and does anyone know if anyone makes correct rubber bushings these days or am I stuck with the steel outer shell type?

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 Rear strut rod problems...

The washers will need to be reused/replaced Greg. They were on all '63-'82 cars.

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Rear strut rod problems...

I am not aware of anyone making the rear strut rod bushings without the steel outer shell. One consolation -- when installed no one can see it, so no one will know but you.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Rear strut rod problems...

While trying to install my rear strut rods I noticed that both bushings have an I/D of about .630 and that the camber adjusting bolt is only about .500. I checked the common vendors and none make mention to different sized inside diameter bushings but I did notice that some show a bushing/washer item that is only shown for the camber adjusting end...

Is this bushing/washer part supposed to act as a bushing between the shock mount and strut rod? I thought that they were only used with the original type of rubber bushings so if I still need them I'll have to dig them out. Sure glad I didn't throw anything out if I do need them.

Oh and does anyone know if anyone makes correct rubber bushings these days or am I stuck with the steel outer shell type?

Greg-----


Your measurements of the strut rod bushing inner tube ID and the OD of the camber bolts are correct. That's how Chevrolet designed them and, presumably, they knew what they were doing. I have never seen bushings with "alternate" size bushing inner tube ID and I don't think I ever will.

There are now strut rod bushings on the market that have no outer shell. I wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole. Compromising functionality for the sake of a virtually imperceptible nuance is, in my mind, absolutely idiotic.

The caps are used on the camber bolt end of the strut rods only. They are necessary and should not be discarded regardless of what style bushings are otherwise installed. Keep in mind that the original caps used for 1963-74 Corvettes are slightly smaller in OD than those used for 75-82 and which SERVICE all 63-82 applications for the past 30 years, or so.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 Rear strut rod problems...

Thanks guys.

I did manage to find the caps and now they are installed like they should be.

[Rich D.]

Re: 69 Rear strut rod problems...

Greg-----


Your measurements of the strut rod bushing inner tube ID and the OD of the camber bolts are correct. That's how Chevrolet designed them and, presumably, they knew what they were doing. I have never seen bushings with "alternate" size bushing inner tube ID and I don't think I ever will.

There are now strut rod bushings on the market that have no outer shell. I wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole. Compromising functionality for the sake of a virtually imperceptible nuance is, in my mind, absolutely idiotic.

The caps are used on the camber bolt end of the strut rods only. They are necessary and should not be discarded regardless of what style bushings are otherwise installed. Keep in mind that the original caps used for 1963-74 Corvettes are slightly smaller in OD than those used for 75-82 and which SERVICE all 63-82 applications for the past 30 years, or so.

Joe, just a quick note to tell you how right you are about those strut rod bushings without outer shells. I installed a set on my '70 driver a few months back more out of convenience than anything (carried by a local supplier).

They are complete dog duty. The rubber has pretty much disintergrated, leaving only the rubber sleeve, severe negative camber, and an annoying clunking sound. Too bad I didn't know about this forum back then...