Shock mount install

[Tom L.]

Any hints on installing new, USA made repro shock mounts? I read an old thread indicating that they can be pulled on with the nut and sometimes the knurls need to be filed a bit.

I tried to pull the first one on with the nut before I did any filing but it didn't want to go. In fact the spindle support was squeezing on the strut bushing. I decided to stop there.

If I need to file the knurls, how much? Thanks for any help!!

[Edward J.]

Re: Shock mount install

Lynn, I ran into the same problem with my 63 chassis resto, I ended up using the originals, because of the same problem you running into, I even used a my air operated gun , didn't work, at this point I said I am going to break something. so I cleaned up the old ones and spray painted them zinc.

My advice would be is to get a original used set or a NOS, which may be next to impossible.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Shock mount install

Lynn,

Be careful here, I think the archives has some information from previous posters that have broke the ears on the support trying to install these mounts. If you break one on a 63 $$$$.

[Tom L.]

Re: Shock mount install

I'm aware of the possibility of breakage, that's why I stopped. These arms just came from Bairs, don't want to start over. My originals are junk and NOS is probably a dream that won't come true.

Should the strut bushing turn loose once the mount is tightened? Or should it spin loosely?

[John H.]

Re: Shock mount install

Should the strut bushing turn loose once the mount is tightened? Or should it spin loosely?

Lynn -

The rubber bushing O.D. is bonded to the I.D. of the end of the strut rod (on originals) or the outer steel sleeve is locked in place on the press-in GM replacement bushings, and the inner steel sleeve is locked in place between the "ears" on the spindle support by the serrated "teeth" on the ends of the sleeve when the nut is torqued. The only movement you should see is entirely within the rubber portion of the bushing, which is also bonded to the O.D. of the inner steel sleeve.

[Tom L.]

Re: Shock mount install

Thanks, John, I was aware that the situation for other bushings is that the rubber moves, not the metal but I wasn't sure about the struts. Mostly because there is a bit, a small bit I might add, of space when the end of the strut is in the bearing support.

Is this normal?

Can the shock mount be pulled in once the ears of the bearing support make contact with the inner sleve of the bushing? Thanks again!!