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"A" arm rubber replacement

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trrdster2000

trrdster2000

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Has anyone tried to put in hard rubber bushings on the top “A” arms? I have replaced many with the standard rubber and a couple of poly ones, but for a daily driver I am not happy with either. If it hadn’t been raining today I was going to pull the whole assembly off a Junker and try to fine something in the local auto store that will match up. I feel sure what ever I find will be too long, but that’s why they make the Dremel.
Hope someone has already done the footwork on this, or maybe it’s a bad idea????

Thanks, Wayne
 
Wayne- can you show a diagram of which one?
 
Wayne, this sounds like The Three Bears story, either too hot, too cold or just right....

What is it that you don't like about the ... ride?...control?
Have you tried Nylatron?

I went back to rubber, from TRF (the only place I will buy rubber products from) and am satisfied with the ride and control. (Not all rubber products are the same. I have found that things like motor mounts from TRF are far superior to other brands.) They say Nylatron gives better control and less-than-some comfort. <u>If</u> it is even available for the front A-arm. (Try Richard Good)
 
Wayne,

What don't you like about rubber or poly bushings?

I've got Nylatron on all four corners but I didn't see any radical increase in harshness, but the suspension is "new car" tight.

I'm doing a little work on my TR right now, but when it's done your happy to give it a spin to see if you like it.
 
Thanks for the reply. The reasons for me looking at an update may be from what I have seen over the years and just the whole front end in general. I have been working with these cars from the time they were new in England, helping in the garage of a good friend and remember him saying they should have done something with the front on both the MG and Triumph. I know they have lasted until the point of braking and still been functional, which must have been the point of the design. So why am I complaining???

I have felt the plastic bushings and worry that without some give it will destroy the brass trunnion, which in itself is a bit strange in a modern car with all the little plastic bits. You may think I have an attitude about Triumphs, but you are so wrong. I was a purist for many years, but I now have the time to look for a better way and as I just keep seeing the same things go wrong, why not join the many that have come up with a better way to get it done, just look at all the upgrades on the market, some good, some not so good.

Bill, I sure do agree that all rubber bushings are not created equal and only put my last ones on my car because I didn’t want to wait, (you are talking to a guy who has a heck of a time waiting between coats of paint), I could have used a water hose and it would have been firmer.

Shannon, I will look around for the Nylatron for the top and maybe take you up on the ride. Were you here in Salisbury for the car show last June???

The old currant bun is out (sun) so I’m headed to the warehouse. This may all be in vain, but I can blame it on my age, what’s your excuse. Now if I can just figure how to configure a ball joint in the place of the trunnion, I’ll be in business.

Wayne
 
Wayne,

Yes I did have my car at Salisbury.

Richard Good is the only supplier of Nylatron that I know of. However, Nylatron is actually harder then poly bushings (but self lubricating)
 
Shannon, sorry I missed you, but I had the Roadster there and with the outside crowd, I didn't have the nerve to leave the car for many minutes.

I got the parts off the old TR and have checked around. Found some really nice firm rubbers at Advance in the shock rubber replacement area, much better than I put on my car. I'm still looking. I know the size, but everyone, so far, only list by application (car type).

Wayne
 
Hi,

Just a thought about the nylatrons...

I've had them for several years, got them from TRF. When I put them on I lived in an area with fairly smooth roads, so they were good. Now I live in an area with a lot of potholes, and I find them harsh. I am a bit concerned that I might crack the frame around where the mounts are.

If you live in an area with rough roads you might want to stay away from them.

Cheers
 
I have rubber (TRF) everywhere now and prefer the ride. I will be due to change most of it out sometimes next year. About 4 years. The roads where I live and travel are bad (New Orleans, like a B52 made a few runs) and prefer the smoother ride of rubber.
 
Thanks guys for your input, that is why I was hoping to find a firm rubber replacement. I'll keep looking and let you know what I come up with. I can always go with TRF, they do keep the better stuff in the rubber department.

Wayne
 
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