Upper A-arm rubber bumper squished

[Steve L.]

During long restorations, after the coil springs are in place, this rubber mushroom bumper under the A-arm gets squished and may be that way from weeks to yrs if the engine isn't in place.

My original was less than half height, hard and cracked.

Anyone worry about this? Anyone load up the suspension with ratchet straps to relieve this bumper?

[Alan S.]

Re: Upper A-arm rubber bumper squished

Hi Steve,
Is the bumper the original or a reproduction? I'm asking because I've read that some people are having splitting troubles with the REAR spring cushions, so I'm wondering if that's what you're seeing.
My 71 chassis sat, for more years than I'll admit to, both on jack stands and on it's wheels without deforming the front stop bumpers.
Regards,
Alan

[Steve L.]

Re: Upper A-arm rubber bumper squished

Thanks Alan,
My original upper A-arm cushions have turned very hard and are about half the height of the new ones.

I've also had the car on jacks for many years(which I now know is a mistake). I don't want to make this mistake again with the replacements.

The body is off with no engine until around early this coming summer. In the meantime, I was wondering if I should use a ratchet strap to load up the suspension enough to relieve these cushions.