17,000 miles on new beam and is worn out!! any comments

axam48ida · Post by **axam48ida** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 11:39 pm

I was checking out this guys kit car today and the front beam left side either bearing and or bushings on the upper and lower tube are shot!
I can move the upper and lower trailing arm at least a 1/8 of an inch.....then I found the right side ball joints worn.
This was a new Brazilian complete beam when he purchased the car. It has 17,000 miles on it
Are there replacement bearings and bushings available for them???? I can't seem to find any???

Ozzie · Post by **Ozzie** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 8:06 am

They are plentiful & cheap.
www.aircooled.net
www.cip1.com
www.chineesecrapatjcwhitney.com

crocteau · Post by **crocteau** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 7:06 am

ozzie wrote:www.chineesecrapatjcwhitney.com

Hmm... safari can't find that server...

Seriously, long before the people's republic hit the big time in car parts, JC(W) was key to my getting a '38 Plymouth back on the road in style... http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/ ... ymouth.jpg

Ozzie · Post by **Ozzie** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 8:37 am

crocteau wrote:
ozzie wrote:www.chineesecrapatjcwhitney.com
Hmm... safari can't find that server... Seriously, long before the people's republic hit the big time in car parts, JC(W) was key to my getting a '38 Plymouth back on the road in style... http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/ ... ymouth.jpg

Charlie, where have I seen that pic before?????

I like it, but I really like this one!

axam48ida · Post by **axam48ida** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 12:19 pm

Ozzie,
The other bearing dosn't appear difficult to R&R, but what about the inner bushing or sleeve?? are those available? and do they need to be reamed after installing them??
thanks

Ozzie · Post by **Ozzie** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 5:48 am

John says the originals are not available (they came in my new beam, so somebody has them) so here are the urethane replacements. Size with 80 grit.

http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewpr ... 20&cartid=

If yours were originally cut too big, they'll take a beating & give up early.
The other possibility is that you had the correct bushings, but "rebuilt" trailing arms. When I was going through mine, somebody told me that they turn down the bearing surfaces to resurface them. Just be carefull that everything fits well as you put it together. Slide the springs partially out the other side & put it all together (with grease) without the springs in the way. Make sure its snug, but moveable without too much resistance.