Spring shackle bushings

Lawson Cox

Lawson Cox

Well-known member
I know. I'm opening up an old can of worms, but I need some help/ideas.

I have searched the archives on this but I still am uncertain as to what to do about spring shackle bushing on my 35 PU. I used neoprene (I think) bushings when I assembled everything a few years back but they have worn through on the front spring due to apparent twisting of the spring. I am replacing the front spring with a new one (NORS probably), and I want the easiest but longest-lasting bushings.

I have plenty of NORS bushings but I would rather not use them because the rubber/fabric has probably deteriorated, and will also need to be pressed in if used.

I am thinking of using oilite bushings, but then again I'm torn between oilite and nylon impregnated with molly. (Delrin)

I'm looking for recommendations on type and suppliers. My truck is a driver and I am not a stickler for originality at this stage of my life.

Any help greatly appreciated.
 
Lawson Cox said:
I know. I'm opening up an old can of worms, but I need some help/ideas.

I have searched the archives on this but I still am uncertain as to what to do about spring shackle bushing on my 35 PU. I used neoprene (I think) bushings when I assembled everything a few years back but they have worn through on the front spring due to apparent twisting of the spring. I am replacing the front spring with a new one (NORS probably), and I want the easiest but longest-lasting bushings.

I have plenty of NORS bushings but I would rather not use them because the rubber/fabric has probably deteriorated, and will also need to be pressed in if used.

I am thinking of using oilite bushings, but then again I'm torn between oilite and nylon impregnated with molly. (Delrin)

I'm looking for recommendations on type and suppliers. My truck is a driver and I am not a stickler for originality at this stage of my life.

Any help greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Lawson, I did the same thing to my 36 pickup, I used polyurethane bushings and they didn't last very long at all. They ate through the sides of the bushings on all four corners. Too much pressure for polyurethane.
I got flanged Oilite bushings from my local bearing supplier for $2.00 each.
They are a snug fit in the spring and hangers but tap right in.
My shackles are Speedway, they've got the Oilite bushings too but are more expensive.
I thought about Delrin but decided to go with Oilite

Bill































4
 
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My car has oilite bushings and they are in great shape after 30 years and 10's of thousands of miles. I took the sping out last year to check and there was no need to replace them.
 
I was researching this topic recently as I'm putting a new front spring on my '36 sedan. Based on what I read, I'm going to make the shackle bushings out of Delrin, modify the existing links slightly and install grease fittings so everything can be lubricated easily to prevent wear and noise. The NORS shackles I'm running now squeak like a flock of birds.
 
I’ve used this type in the past with no issues. It’s been 40 years since I replaced them and they are still good. Not sure if he will sell just the spring perches without the shackles, but I know he makes his parts in house.

https://carrillocustoms.com/


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Brass works too. Shackles are custom made.
 

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Lawson Cox said:
I know. I'm opening up an old can of worms, but I need some help/ideas.

I have searched the archives on this but I still am uncertain as to what to do about spring shackle bushing on my 35 PU. I used neoprene (I think) bushings when I assembled everything a few years back but they have worn through on the front spring due to apparent twisting of the spring. I am replacing the front spring with a new one (NORS probably), and I want the easiest but longest-lasting bushings.

I have plenty of NORS bushings but I would rather not use them because the rubber/fabric has probably deteriorated, and will also need to be pressed in if used.

I am thinking of using oilite bushings, but then again I'm torn between oilite and nylon impregnated with molly. (Delrin)

I'm looking for recommendations on type and suppliers. My truck is a driver and I am not a stickler for originality at this stage of my life.

Any help greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Lawson, Let's get real for a moment... the easiest route is to install a new set of nylon bushings. Realistically they will last as long as they need to.
Don't over think it is my advice. Swap 'em out and enjoy the truck.
Ya know, if you are only replacing the bushings in the spring, they can be installed rather easily. In that case, I'd used NOS.
 
Kube said:
Lawson, Let's get real for a moment... the easiest route is to install a new set of nylon bushings. Realistically they will last as long as they need to.
Don't over think it is my advice. Swap 'em out and enjoy the truck.
Ya know, if you are only replacing the bushings in the spring, they can be installed rather easily. In that case, I'd used NOS.
Click to expand...


Thanks, Kube. At my age, neither my memory nor my strength are what they used to be so I guess I am looking for reassurance more than anything else.

The truck is going to my daughter so I want it to last as long as possible so she will not have to worry about it down the line. Oilite bushings will probably outlast polyurethane so I'll most likely go with that. Same amount of labor and only a few bucks more after all.
 
Thanks Glenn, Those brass bushings have been installed for at least 20 years with zero problems. They will outlive me for sure.
 
glennpm said:
Hi Lawson,


I'm interested and where you are going to source the Oilite bushings.


Glenn
Click to expand...

Hopefully, I can find a source here or online somewhere, maybe even a local bearing place once I determine the correct sizes/measurements. Any help along that line will be appreciated.
 
Lawson Cox said:
Hopefully, I can find a source here or online somewhere, maybe even a local bearing place once I determine the correct sizes/measurements. Any help along that line will be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Lawson, Your local bearing supplier should have these" Flanged Oilite bronze bushings" 3/4" OD x 1/2" ID x 1 1/8" long overall. That's how I ordered mine.
You need 16 to do the whole truck.
I'll give you a call tonight, Bill
 
THANK YOU GUYS, you have answered all my questions, either here or on the phone, and it is greatly appreciated by the "oldest guy on the barn". Now, if only a couple of you lived close enough to lend a physical helping hand I would have the job done in no time. LOL

Really, thanks again for all the help guys.

Lawson
 
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