Right.

This is what I'm doing:

1. Replacing old beam with new beam with Avis Adjusters,
2. Replacing standard spindles with 2 1/2" dropped versions,
3. Replacing front drums with ventilated Disks.
4. Replacing all tired Tie Rod Ends with new set, and
5. Replacing old clapped out Steering Box.

This is my question:

I want to replace any bushes with Neoprene (spelt right?) versions, but what should I get?

The stores list so many types I don't know what I need. I'm old and get confused easily

So if anyone could list/suggest what I require, how many and where I should look, that would be really appreciated.

Old Timer

i think you mean noeletheane not the other as its what wetsuits are made out of

Urethane, i don't think they will do the job as well as the original needle bearing and inner bush, with a lot of stiction , i replaced the inner and outer bearing on my front end with silicon aluminium bushes that i machined and use a moly based grease, the needle bearings have a have a single point contact and will wear the bearing surface over a period of time but will be superiour to the urethane, you can still buy replacement original bearings.

Neoprene, Noeletheane, Urethane, Polypropylene - whatever the material is called, I am now properly confused.

I appreciate your comments, but I'd like to just get something I can fit straight up. I'm not that interested in having to machine anything - I'm after "plug and play". I'm not only old, I'm real lazy too.

I've read all over the place that "whatever you call them", they're supposed to be superior to the standard bushes - self lubricating, harder and longer wearing. I don't know what to think anymore.

Its got nothing to do with the bucks, quiet the opposite. I just want something that'll last a decent time, and take out the slack that has come on over the years.

Anyone else want to chime in?

Thanks again barls and vwo60, I really do appreciate your comments.

Old Timer

Needle rollers are the go - for the Outer Bearings and use the standard Bushes for the inners - the Needles last 40+years - your great grand kids will thank you!

Part Number HK4520 (Timken/Torington and all the rest use this standard identifier) - some are cheaper than others - about $20 each 3 years ago. Will probably need to also get an Inner Ring to push onto the arm to get the ID the right size and 'bearing hard'.

Load this:
http://brisbanebearings.com/doc/General_Catalogue_-_Bearings.pdf 
(big pdf. takes a while)
Page 280 for the Needle bearings
Page 335 for the inner Ring

Here is a 356 site, for a looksee.
http://www.nlaparts.com/store/needle-bearing-p-429.html 
(You don't need x2 per arm - as stated here - the later 356C used only x1 per arm)

Lance.

isnt it naphthalene??

Thanks guys, the fog is lifting slowly. It appears that everyone has their favourites (both here and overseas).
I think I'll look into Lance's suggestion first.

Oh yeah Bizarre, the way my brain was going - I was looking closly at a match and gasolene!

Thanks again guys (Dubbers are just amazing)

Old Timer

There is no way that the urethane replacement bushes are as good as the original needle bearing's and inner bushes, they do not allow the smooth movement of the suspension that the needle roller does, the other issue is the long livity of this cheap urethane come out at the moment, all the standard parts are available it will just require some effort to put them in.

I have urethane in my beam, big mistake, they just stick even when fully lubed. I can lift the car up to the extent of travel and when I put it down it stays there. It behaves the same on the road it just doesn't give you a nice soft feel. I'll be going back to original.
PS Fitting isn't the hard part is removing the old that was difficult in mine and you're stuck with that no matter what you use.

Quote:

Originally posted by vlad01 Quote: Originally posted by Bizarre isnt it naphthalene?? Naphthalene? that's moth balls lol

I made a threaded tool to remove and install the bushes and bearing's, if you hit the needle bearing you will damage it, i pulled it into position using a length of threaded rod and some washer that i machined up to suit.

Ok, ok. I get it.

Don't use Urethane - it's bad.

Especially if it's "Red".

Only use original stuff.

Needle Bearings are better.

You guys are awesome

Thanks for the advice.

Old Timer