Haha makes me feel a little less alone in this. Any noticeable improvement in ride with the new bushes?

 

I'll say this in my defense... This is my first time with these bushes, I ordered the Atlantic British complete bushing kit, so didn't order part by part like normal (I would've noticed the different part descriptions) and the packing sheet when I got the parts just listed 8x radius arm bushings. I through them all in the freezer and then just grabbed one at a time, and this was my first one. It was a 50/50 shot and I grabbed the wrong one :/

 

Yes, steering is "tighter" and more responsive and articulation feels smoother. But I also had the fronts pretty shot so not apple to apple. Going to get to the rears once I finish up enough of the list for the wifes truck.

 

Turns out if you use the correct bushing, it goes in ok.

 

OK not always… one split despite chamfering and using a band clamp. Honestly, I don’t think freezing the plastic housed ones is the way to go. The plastic gets super brittle and I think it’s probably meant to flex a bit when pressing it in? The other three went in OK and frozen, so who knows. New one on the way.


Slight chamfer helps it go in

Band clamp at the top to help prevent the top from mushrooming under pressure.

 

Maybe try a small piston ring compressor with a different socket.

 

Thought of a piston ring compressor but the height of it means it has to come off too early in the pressing process to be of any use. The other three went in without a fuss, I think this one was just a dud. The plastic did have some odd mold marks that made it stand out among the others. Maybe something to do with a manufacturing defect.

And actually, it isn't a socket haha, looks like it but it's actually the most convenient little press fitting thing...

 

Wrapping up this post with good results getting that last bushing pressed in. Overall advice, don't freeze the plastic bushings, it makes the plastic too brittle and risks cracking the shell.

 

Thanks for the posts and photos

 

Has anyone every tried "double hose clamping" a bushing (to prevent mushrooming as described above)? One closer to the leading end and another closer to the trailing end?

You could loosen the first as the bushing enters the arm and the second as you get the bushing closer to completely installed.