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Which suspension & steering bushings?

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2023 12:44 pm
by Steve Jelf
I use bronze. I would rather wear out relatively inexpensive bushings than costly shackles. Am I mistaken?

Re: Which suspension & steering bushings?

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2023 1:13 pm
by TXGOAT2
As far as I know, the only issue with bronze might be a greater tendency to allow grit to embed in the bronze, which might accellerate wear. Other than that, I'd think bronze would be preferable to steel, as long as the grade of bronze was hard enough not to pound out.

Plenty of oil, frequently applied, is about all you can do to minimize wear besides avoiding mud and muddy water. Pressure gun grease would seem to be the best choice to me, aside from the mess. Oil is messy enough, but vital to minimizing wear and promoting good ride and handling.

Custom made spring perches with compressed rubber bushings would be nice, as would custom shackles with provisions for seals to exclude dirt and retain lubricant.

Spring gaiters would be a nice addition to a T chassis. They'd keep springs clean and lubricated, and if not "correct", they'd look as good as a rusty or greasy front spring.

Re: Which suspension & steering bushings?

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2023 4:17 pm
by speedytinc
As long as you dont use sintered bronze, you'll be ok.
Sintered bronze wont take the pounding.

Re: Which suspension & steering bushings?

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2023 5:45 pm
by Plankhill
I use bronze on my tie rod and spring shackles. Works good.