How quickly should USA made, D.C. radius arm bushings rot?

[fordman]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber

[robroy]

Hey Fordman, thanks for suggesting that article!

So this is the woman who helped to make my radius arm bushings, right?



Maybe I can find her in the phone book and ask about this issue.

Thanks again!
Robroy

[fordman]

it was her sister

[convincor]

FWIW, I called in my order to "Suspension Restorations" for radius arm and cab mount bushings at 11:00am today. Had a order/shipping confirmation back in 3 hours..... That's the kind of service I like...

And delivered USPS Priority today.

[knightfire83]

I'm not happy with DC rubber parts either. I ordered the fuel filler neck rubber grommet that goes on the outside of the cab.
It never fit or sealed correctly, less than a year later the entire rubber area was cracked.

[robroy]

Hey Knightfire83, thanks for replying!

Now that you mention it, I did the exact same thing, and just a few months down the road, it's already looking a little cracked around the edges!

This one didn't surprise me quite as much though since it said, "Made in China" on the bag. But still!

Robroy

[RTG_RACING]

You need to use the correct washer on the rear bushing. It helps keep the shape of the rubber bushing. The front bush as the correct washer and does not look as bad as the rear. imho poly is the way to go anyway. They don't give as much as rubber and make the truck more stable.

[cdeal28078]

I spent around $2000 at DC around 8 years ago when I restored my 71. ^ months later my drivers arm rest was cracked, outside door handles and hood side markers were faded and the push buttons on the handles were rusting. I live near them and drove over to see them. I got absolutely no satisfaction from them at all. Al I got was excuses.
Arm rest was not made by them so therefore not under any warranty. I didn't was and take care of the chrome pieces and such. Yeah, I waxed them and kept the truck under a shed also. Not to mention they were only 6-7 months old!
clint

[robroy]

Hi RTG_RACING and Clint, thanks for replying!

You need to use the correct washer on the rear bushing. It helps keep the shape of the rubber bushing. The front bush as the correct washer and does not look as bad as the rear.

You know, it's entirely possible that the rear washer isn't right on my truck, but I suspect that it's the one installed by Ford. It was on there just like that when I took it apart. Maybe it's a little different since I have the 8,100lb GVW model. Or maybe some guy replaced it years and years ago!

imho poly is the way to go anyway. They don't give as much as rubber and make the truck more stable.

Yeah that's sure what I'll do next time. And based on the rate of decay I'm seeing, next time might not be so far in the future!

I spent around $2000 at DC around 8 years ago when I restored my 71. ^ months later my drivers arm rest was cracked, outside door handles and hood side markers were faded and the push buttons on the handles were rusting.

Gosh, that's surprising isn't it? They're supposed to be "the best."

Thanks again for the great replies!
Robroy

[fordman]

yes that rear washer should be cupped on all trucks.

[robroy]

Hey Fordman, is that right?

OK, it makes sense! I'll find cupped washers and install them then. It shouldn't be much work to do--all I need to take apart are those two castle nuts.

Thanks very much!
Robroy

[fordman]

alot of new kits come with new cupped washers. my 93 bushings did. i reused the old ones i think or i kept the old ones. one or the other.

[robroy]

Hey Fordman! OK, good to know. Maybe I'll just wait until I replace these with polyurethane bushings then, since they'll probably come with perfect, cupped washers.

Thanks Fordman!
Robroy

[ximy]

great post.. good info here

[dcbullet]

I'm not happy with DC rubber parts either. I ordered the fuel filler neck rubber grommet that goes on the outside of the cab.
It never fit or sealed correctly, less than a year later the entire rubber area was cracked.

I had the same experience with that part.