Guys, I just noticed the Prothane rear poly kit has two types of sleeves for the rear lateral control arms. One that's 5/8x.06x1.625 (x4) and the other is 5/8x.065x1.590 (x4). They are so similar in size it's easy to overlook. So question is, where do they go? Do the larger ones go in the rear non-adjustable arm or in the adjustable arms or in the ends that mount to the knuckle or where the mount to the cradle? Get my drift? I'm sure lots of people have put them in wrong so I'm hoping someone can help. Thanks!

I just measured up some old lateral links I have lying around and the bushings are different sizes. With my ruler in hand it appears that the adjustable link bushings are about 1-1/8" diameter where they pass through the hole in the link. The fixed length link has bushings that are about 1/8" larger in diameter, but it's tough to measure accurately because the rubber mushrooms out of the holes. I'm not sure what the measurements are that you posted but measuring old rubber bushings to new aftermarket poly bushings is like comparing apples to oranges.

quote Originally posted by Bloozberry: I just measured up some old lateral links I have lying around and the bushings are different sizes. With my ruler in hand it appears that the adjustable link bushings are about 1-1/8" diameter where they pass through the hole in the link. The fixed length link has bushings that are about 1/8" larger in diameter, but it's tough to measure accurately because the rubber mushrooms out of the holes. I'm not sure what the measurements are that you posted but measuring old rubber bushings to new aftermarket poly bushings is like comparing apples to oranges.

Blooz...... Maybe I was not clear but I talking specifically about the sleeves that fit into the bushings. Not the bushings themselves. There is only a slight difference between the sleeves, that's why I need to know where they go. Where the bushings go are a no brainier.

Eunospeed, once you have the rear suspension disassembled off the car, take one of each of those sleeves and check the fit on the chassis/frame mounting points. One of the sleeves will be the correct width to fit snug between the mounting sleeves on the frame:


One of the bushing sleeves should fit in there snug, while the other one may be too wide to fit, or too narrow allowing side-to-side play. It is not that you want to use four of a certain width bushing sleeve on one or the other rear link, you want to use four of them at the same end of each link - the frame end or the knuckle end.

I happen to have some old '88 rear suspension links laying around. I measured all the inner bushing sleeves at approximately 1.58" long. All of them.

My suggestion would be to test-fit your longer sleeves into the cradle mounting points (like mentioned above), to see if they're too long. And if so, put them on the outboard ends of the links.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 12-23-2013).]

Thanks guys, I would have measured my old sleeves but I pitched them out before checking their length. From what I can tell, the shorter sleeves go in- board. I've already screwed up one side and I had to used a hammer to get the longer sleeve into the cradle. I thought there might be a problem...... Then I noticed the sleeve differences. Oh we'll, I will have to fix one side but it's better to find out now not later. Will follow up soon.

You can take one of the wheel bearing bolts (they are fully threaded) and use it with 2 nuts to gently enlarge the pockets for the lateral link bolts.

If you want, come on down and I can give you the needed bolt and nuts.

Guru, thanks for the offer but the shorter sleeves fit fine on the cradle. However, this is just a temp solution because I plan on adding your lateral control arm solution next year. Next step is bigger wheels so I can upgrade to your big brake kit.

Are you referring to the rod-end lateral links? I did something similar when I swapped an '88 cradle into my '87 Fiero. It's the bee's knees, as they used to say.

Yes sir Blacktree..... That's what I want to do. Your setup looks great, I know Fieroguru who lives 25 miles south of me has a similar upgrade. Any advice would be appreciated.

quote Originally posted by eunospeed: Any advice would be appreciated.

Drive the 25 miles and visit Paul (fieroguru)!!! Great guy and you can see some of his cool stuff. Matt and I need to trot down there and see the LS4. Probably put up for the winter.

------------------
-Brian

My 87 GT Poly Suspension Upgrade (all pics) thread
Removing the roof panel
My HUD install thread
Modified stock air canister and base to 3.5 inch for 3800na

Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?

Hey Monk, my plan is to get down too see Paul in the spring. Maybe we can meet somewhere so we all check out his LS at the same time.

Feel free to come down any time. The LS4 car is just sitting outside and gets driven when the temps are above 40ish.

Right now there is a SBC/F23 fiero currently taking up the garage space.

quote Originally posted by eunospeed: Yes sir Blacktree..... That's what I want to do. Your setup looks great, I know Fieroguru who lives 25 miles south of me has a similar upgrade. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for the compliment. My advice would be to talk to Fieroguru. He knows what he's doing, and is local to you. I would also advise you not to cheap out on the rod ends. I'm sure Fieroguru will tell you the same thing, though.

The parts I used for the rod-end links are still pretty new, and don't have many miles on them. So I can't offer any comments or make any recommendations yet.

I just took a look at the bushing set and measured the sleeves and bushings.
My take on this is.......

The 1.590 sleeves go with the solid lateral link
The 1.625 sleeves go with the adjustable lateral link

Hope this helps someone out........

[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 12-27-2013).]