TC Shock Bushes

[pohle@jps.net]

I would be interested to hear comments from anyone who has installed the Moss Motors 282-710 rubber shock link bushes using their 385-890 installation tool kit (4 part). The installation of the bush into the eye is a rather straight forward process, however, installing the stud into the bush in the eye is another matter. The pilot taper (on the end of the stud) is cutting and dishing out the opposite end of the bush that is held in place by the base. Liberal lubrication (liquid detergent) is used and does not appear to be the problem. Additionally, driving the 90 degree link into the eye in the shock arm is bordering on the impossible, although here, I'm debating about building a platform out of a 2x4, chiseling out a depression for the link with a bolt through the eye to secure same. This way I would have a stable straight forward entry to the eye of the shock arm by using a vise as a ram against the 2x4. Neoprene bushes used in the spring shackles are too loose leaving me tempted to return to the old hose bushes. Suggestions???????

Ed Pohle, Squaw Valley

[Jack Stehr]

Ed, I know exactly the problem that you are having. The diameter of the "pilot taper" supplied by Moss is too large. When you push the Moss pilot taper through the bushing ( I used my large woodworking vise) it chews up the bushing, tearing away a lot of the rubber. What I did to solve the problem was to make a new pilot taper, but only 1/2" in diameter, that is the diameter of the studs that you are trying to insert into the bushings. It was easy to make the new pilot. I cut the threaded portion and head off of a 1/2" bolt (I didn't have any 1/2" rods) and put the 1/2" cylinder in my drill press. With a metal file I was able to shape one end of the material like a bullet. I then pushed this pilot through through the hole in the bushing with my vise. When the rear end of the new pilot was flush with the bushing, I put the stud that I was trying to insert against the pilot and used the stud to push the pilot out the other side. It works great. You also need to make a little device to keep from pushing out the bushing when you insert the pilot. It's very simple, I'll e-mail you some pictures after dinner. Jack Stehr Piedmont, CA