Re: [Amc-list] panhard rod bushings

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Those bushings are pretty thin, I don't think anyone has a repop, but you might try Galvin's (www.ramblerparts.com) -- if anyone has them he does. 

If I had that problem I think I'd order some polyurethane bushed rod ends and matching threaded steel tubing, the kind used for four link rear axles. Then you just need to know the bolt size on the car and axle. IIRC the bolt is really a stud on the axle end and the poly bushed rod ends might be too wide -- I think mine are 1.25"-1.50" wide. They could be cut down almost 1/4" on each side if necessary though. The poly is either pressed in tight or molded into the ends, there is no lip or anything like that keeping them in place. 

I think you'll find that the rattling bushings are why the rear end feels so loose -- it IS loose!! Once those are replaced it should tighten back up. A Watt's linkage makes it move more up and down with no side motion, but there's not enough side motion with good bushings to make the car feel strange, only 1/2" or so total. The only thing that might help other than new bushings is stiffer rear springs. Those old things are soft and feel "floaty" at speed anyway!

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Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2008 22:20:51 -0800 (PST)
From: d stohler <das24rules@xxxxxxxxx>

speakin of panhard rod bushings, does anyone know the size of them? i could get mine pulled out, and measure, but its been rainy here, and gettin to that snow type weather, and i havent been feeling good enough to go do it. mine are starting to rattle. 

what about one of them watts link set ups? anyone have any experience with it? wonder how well it would work for mounting into the coil sprung ramblers? would need to build a mount for it to bolt onto the cover as it is no where near strong enough i dont think. would sure put a better feeling at the wheel. the roads here are pretty good, just have some "dips" to them, and at 60ish, that back end feels like its dancin around. lol. first couple times i drove casper, i thought something was wrong till i figured out how that panhard rod works. have one on my old f100 4x4. but its on the front so you dont feel it when it goes thru the motions. 

-- 
Frank Swygert
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