Bushes & Suspension Re-assembly

[rogerc]

I have replaced the rear suspension bushes on my 72 auto.
I got them out okay, and and have re-fitted the new polypropelene ones.

However, I'm having a hell of a time re-fitting my rear trailing arms to the cross member.

I've got one in today with much difficulty. I left the other side to tackle tomorrow as it was evident it wasn't going to be any easier.

Does anyone have any useful suggestions for getting this job done any easier? It seems the bushes are 'too wide' to fit easily in the brackets. Obviously there is some give, and in time they settle in, but how on earth do you get the damn things in so you can bolt the arms on...?

I was considering using a heatgun to make them a little moer pliable, but obviously I don't want to melt them...

[Malcolm C]

imported post

Did the same job, and had the same problem.with the 1st side.

But then used a G clamp to compress the bushes as i jacked up the trailing arm into thecrossmember. Did the 2^nd one in about 10 minutes

Hope this helps

Malcolm

[rogerc]

imported post

Thanks for the response Malcolm.

I managed to get it in eventually, but it was a fight...!

Eventually ended up taking the brakes, drave shaft, etc all off as well, made it a more manageable lump to handle.