Getting Delrin Bushings in the Frame - Need Suggestions

[bigboi]

I bought a set of DSE Delrin bushings for my 67 Camaro Leaf Springs. I got the bushings pressed into the new leafs... But... I am stuck on how to get the 2 piece Delrin bushings into the frame part. I have popped them in the freezer again to chill them, but it sure seems like they are NOT going to go in very easy.

Either side of the frame is very tight... You got the gas tank on one side (which could be removed if absolutely needed) and on the other side is the rear quarter panels.


Does anyone have any suggestions??

[skatinjay27]

... tyler let spiffav8 borrow this tool he made and it made the job much easier...
bsically you just need to get a grade 8 bolt and nut long enough and the some strong washers or plate bigger that the bushing diameter and just sandwich it in with tightening the bolt.

[bigboi]

... tyler let spiffav8 borrow this tool he made and it made the job much easier...
bsically you just need to get a grade 8 bolt and nut long enough and the some strong washers or plate bigger that the bushing diameter and just sandwich it in with tightening the bolt.

Ahhh!! Very Nice! Thank you!

[bigboi]

Well... Hmmm... I went and bought a couple different length 3/4 bolts, washers, and nuts.

I got one of the Delrin bushings lined up, the bolt through, washers on, and nut tightened up.

Here is the problem tho...

I am 6' 250 pounds and strong as a mofo. I REAALLLY have to crank on this damn thing to get it to move a little. I am not sure I will be able to crank on it hard enough to get it all the way in... Because... The more you move the Delrin bushing in the hole, the harder you have to crank to get it to slide in more.

There has to be a more logical way... Or something I am missing here...

Help?

[SHANE 73Z]

bigboi,

I take that you used something to clean out the frame sleeve? If not that may help, but I have also heard of instances where people have actually had to have the bushings turned down to get them in.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but not much else to offer. When I installed mine, I actually was able to one side fairly easy, but the other side I ended up getting it started with a 3/4" threaded rod (that broke at about the halfway point) and then moved onto a 3/4" Grade 8 bolt to finish it.

Shane

[bigboi]

bigboi,

I take that you used something to clean out the frame sleeve? If not that may help, but I have also heard of instances where people have actually had to have the bushings turned down to get them in.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but not much else to offer. When I installed mine, I actually was able to one side fairly easy, but the other side I ended up getting it started with a 3/4" threaded rod (that broke at about the halfway point) and then moved onto a 3/4" Grade 8 bolt to finish it.

Shane

Hmm... I will try to clean the frame sleeve. As it stands now I can't honestly see myself being able to use a bolt and tighten the nut down to get the bushing on - It's just way too tight of a fit.

I might have to get the bushings turned down like you said. Whew... Nobody said this was easy I guess.

Makes me almost want to just grab a set of Poly frame bushings and slide them in... Is there that much of a performance difference with the Delrin's in the frame compared to the Poly?

[MrQuick]

get your self a flapper wheel and an angle drill.....another reason I like to remove the tank. Clean that inside out REAL good. Lube it up too.

[bigboi]

Clean that inside out REAL good. Lube it up too.
"That's What She Said!" - LOL! :)

... Seriously - That's a good idea. I think that's what I will do. Removing the tank sucks ass... but... oh well... gotta do what ya gotta do.

[Spiffav8]

... tyler let spiffav8 borrow this tool he made and it made the job much easier...
bsically you just need to get a grade 8 bolt and nut long enough and the some strong washers or plate bigger that the bushing diameter and just sandwich it in with tightening the bolt.

Tyler does have a nifty lil cheater tool for this, but I really didn't need it. I put those suckers in the freezer over night and the next day they just slid right in.

I also cleaned that area really well so there wasn't any gunk hanging things up.

[Spiffav8]

This is the set up you have right?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Did you have the single piece (at the top) pressed into the spring or is that what your trying to get into the frame?

[bigboi]

This is the set up you have right?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Did you have the single peace (at the top) pressed into the spring or is that what your trying to get into the frame?

Yep that is the set I have. The ones that I am trying to get into the frame are the bottom ones (two-piece).

I got one of the halves about 1/4 stuck in the frame sleeve now and I sure and the hell don't think I can get it out at this point with removing the gas tank and banging it out.

:-\

[bigboi]

Well... I went down to the tool store and picked me up an angle drill air tool (first air tool i have bought) and a flapper wheel. I went to town on those frame sleeves and boy did it clean them out nicely! Pulled the Delrin's outta the ice box and used the bolt and nut technique - BAM GOT ONE SIDE IN!!

I wasn't using a Grade 8 bolt and it ripped the living **** outta the threads on the bolt! I ended up having to use the wheel cutting blade to cut the bolt in half and back it out of the Delrin bushing.

What a fiasco!! Glad I got one side in tho!! I am headed to Home Depot to get a Grade 8 bolt for the next side.

I should have this thing bolted back up tonight, no later than tomorrow night at the latest... Back to hot rodding this weekend!

[TitoJones]

I've found the freezer trick to work the best. The other option is to heat the frame with a torch and drop the aluminum bushings in some liquid nitrogen and they will slide in like butter.

Tyler

[paul67]

you def need to lub up as i failed to do now i have squeeky suspension.