Re: Safe T Flex rubber bushings.

Posted by Bob J On 2023/12/20 11:47:48

It is pretty straight forward Bill. The arms themselves are not under that much torque, the ball and socket stop any front to back movement of the independent front suspension when loads are placed on it during turns and rough roads.
Removing the 3 screws on the ball cap where it meets the frame will free the rear socket.
Pull the arm down out of the socket and clean all the old rubber ball cap rubber from the arm ball, frame socket and the cap socket.
Using sandpaper or wire brush, smooth the ball, cap socket and frame socket so there are no burrs or shale that will intrude on the new bushing.
Run a tap into the threads in the frame socket so they are clean and ready to accept the cap screws during reassembly. Clean the cap screws as well on a wire wheel and chase the threads with a die so they are clean and easily run into the tapped holes in the frame socket.
Coat the arm ball/cap socket and frame socket with a good quality latex paint. (I suggest latex paint as it is pretty much immune to brake fluid.)
Once dry, wipe the outside of the arm ball and the inside of the bushing ball cap with brake fluid, this allows easier installation of the bushing over the steel ball as well as helps remove the risk of rubber squeak when in action.
Once the bushing is pressed onto the arm ball, press the cap socket over the bushing ball and, using a jack, press the cap/bushing/arm back up into the frame socket.
Insert and tighten the three screws per side.
Have fun!
Bob J.