T-Arm Bushing Replacement???

[msiert]

Do the T-arm bushings where they connect to the body ever wear out? I have heard of alot of people replacing the T- Arm bushing at the dif. but never hear about the bushings and washer being changed at the body?

Murray

[Dean Peterken]

My experience with my '74 GTV is that the original rubber bushes was still in very good condition but the plastic thrust washers that go between the T arm and the bush housing were shot. The end float clearance is critical from what I hear, requiring careful measurement and shims to get it right. Getting the bushes off the T arm looks like a long job which requires special tooling to be made up. I am sure there is a thread on the BB somewhere which details the removal procedure and tooling. It is job that I am putting off, but will have to do before the car goes back on the road.

[JeffM]

I can second that assessment. When I did all of the bushings on my '74 GTV a few years ago, I took the T-arm to my mechanic to replace the end bushings and washers. He said that it was too much trouble to do so, and was best just to replace the whole unit with one that had good bushings and washers, so I did that.
It is possible if just your washers are bad to slip new ones in by slitting them with everything assembled (off the car would be easier). Andy Kress at Performatek should have these available in poly.

Jeff

[David Rishar]

I just removed the bushings. Not easy.
1. Drill a bunch of holes through the bushing rubber.
2. Use a puller to rip the outer busing and casting from the trunion.
3. Torch away the rubber.
4. For the trunion, use a grinder or hack saw to cut a groove along the length of the bushing. If you are replacing the bushing with a stock unit, you don't have to be too careful about cutting into the trunion. It's quite a bit harder than the bushing metal.
5. Wail away with a hammer and chisel and the bushing comes off.
6. Removing the outer bushing sleeve from the casting is a little tougher. The casting has a lip that precludes one from pressing against the outer metal sleeve.
7. Using a hacksaw blade cut two grooves about 1/4 inch apart through the bushing sleeve. Get as close as you can to the casting lip. Be patient. Then take a small chisel and peel back the metal between the two grooves. Turn the casting around and once again wail away with a hammer and chisel. The bushing slides right out.

[alfa63]

Quote:

Originally Posted by msiert Do the T-arm bushings where they connect to the body ever wear out? I have heard of alot of people replacing the T- Arm bushing at the dif. but never hear about the bushings and washer being changed at the body? Murray