Mikesmalaga72 Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 (edited) I`m shoring up the suspension on my 72 02, How much should the stock rubber sway bar end link bushings and upper shock mounts be properly compressed? Common sense tells me there should be some but I have seen varying degrees to no compression. Thanks!! Edited October 24, 2022 by Mikesmalaga72 add Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dudeland Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 I am no pro, but I think you are supposed to tighten most suspension bits while on the ground. The P.O installed mine quite tight. I think you want them tight, but not binding. Maybe the blue book will give you an idea. Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesmalaga72 Posted October 24, 2022 Author Share Posted October 24, 2022 Blue book says 22 ft lbs which doesnt seem very much, but I`ll double check in a couple days when I jack her up again. Instructions did not say anything while suspension loaded tho but a good idea. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John76 Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 14 minutes ago, Dudeland said: you are supposed to tighten most suspension bits while on the ground Yes ... I agree with Dudeland. I seem to remember to snug them up but not tight enough to squish the rubber out much further than the washers. The cup washers install with the cup out. Also consider flipping the bolts so the heads are down and the nuts are up on top. This helps keep the threads from being mangled. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dudeland Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 1 minute ago, John76 said: Yes ... I agree with Dudeland. I seem to remember to snug them up but not tight enough to squish the rubber out much further than the washers. The cup washers install with the cup out. Also consider flipping the bolts so the heads are down and the nuts are up on top. This helps keep the threads from being mangled. It has been a long time since I was underneath my car, but I always suspected that mine are done up too tight. The PO was a racer so everything was quite tight on the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesmalaga72 Posted October 24, 2022 Author Share Posted October 24, 2022 (edited) Looks much better/tighter than mine!! Edited October 24, 2022 by Mikesmalaga72 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Marty Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 (edited) Dump the rubber, this is one place where urethane is needed even on stock set up. Edited October 24, 2022 by Son of Marty 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Self Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 11 hours ago, Son of Marty said: Dump the rubber, this is one place where urethane is needed even on stock set up. +1 on the Urethane suggestion, as in this location their non-compressibility will be a plus, as it allows the sway bar to come into play as soon as a load is applied to it, whereas rubber bushings will compress slightly, causing a delay in the bar's action. And it won't make the ride any harsher as using Urethane bushings elsewhere in the suspension. I'd also replace the swaybar mount bushings with Urethane while you're at it.... mike 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TobyB Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 11 hours ago, Son of Marty said: Dump the rubber, this is one place where urethane is needed even on stock set up. ooo, for once we don't agree! The rubber's OK up until you want the thing to really handle, at which point you're also doing everything stiffer. With stock (looooonnnnggggg) travels, the rubber conforms enough to not cause problems. While you might notice a little improvement in transition, it'll wear, make noise, etc. As to how tight? Anything that snugs the rubber up a bit is 'enough' to keep it from rattling. Somewhere I read that you want it to squeeze out enough to match the OD of the outer washer, and that seems to be a good rule of thumb. Too tight, and it'll bind, eventually wearing the rubber. You want the rubber to flex, so the bolt doesn't have to. TLDR: it doesn't really matter. t 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Self Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 1 hour ago, TobyB said: Somewhere I read that you want it to squeeze out enough to match the OD of the outer washer, and that seems to be a good rule of thumb. A non-intuitive thing: the washers on each side of the bushing should be installed with the upset edge facing away from the rubber. You'd think it would be the other way; it isn't. (note the picture above) mike 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesmalaga72 Posted October 24, 2022 Author Share Posted October 24, 2022 So same theory with the rear shock mounts then except for washer orientation. Thanks guys much appreciated!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye Posted October 25, 2022 Share Posted October 25, 2022 Front and Rear sway bar end links with wheels on the ground (16 + 1.4) ft-lb Rear shocks base mount with wheels on the ground (35 +3.6) ft-lb Rear shocks top fastener 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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