Notice that Rodney has two versions of his aluminum cradle bushings offering.
One is keeping the sleeve (burn or press out the rubber).
The other is a heavy duty version, which is pulling out the sleeve and replacing it with a heavier duty version and solid aluminum bushings..
But I haven't seen any threads on anyone using or having tutorials on how to remove the sleeves of the front cradle bushings. Lot's on burning out the rubber, but that is keeping the sleeve in place.
Any guidance would be very helpful. I'm ready to purchase them from Rodney, just looking for which version to get. Many thanks,
[This message has been edited by Wichita (edited 05-05-2020).]
I could be mistaken, but I think the "heavy duty" version is intended to be used when your existing bushing sleeves are rotting away. So instead of buying some rubber bushings, just for the sleeves, you can buy Rodney's HD bushings. If your existing bushing sleeves are intact, then the HD bushings will offer no benefit.
That said, you can burn or drill out the rubber, then cut the sleeves with a sawzall or a hacksaw. A single cut down the length of the sleeve should relieve the tension and let it slide out.
I could be mistaken, but I think the "heavy duty" version is intended to be used when your existing bushing sleeves are rotting away. So instead of buying some rubber bushings, just for the sleeves, you can buy Rodney's HD bushings. If your existing bushing sleeves are intact, then the HD bushings will offer no benefit.
That said, you can burn or drill out the rubber, then cut the sleeves with a sawzall or a hacksaw. A single cut down the length of the sleeve should relieve the tension and let it slide out.
I did use the drill out method on them. The control arms, those rubber bushings came out fine with the drill method and the sleeves are good and smooth.
The front cradle bushings were a beast to drill out. And I notice I have some gash marks from the drill bit in the inside of the sleeve. I still need to sand or wirewheel the rest of the remaining rubber bushings. Even torched the remaining rubber bushing remnants and still have some left.
I just didn't know how smooth the sleeves needed to be on the inside and just thinking of possibly going with Rondey's heavy duty as a backup. But then again, I'm not for sure if the sleeves are that easy to remove. Cutting down the middle you think would release the sleeves that easy? Could be possible.
I did email Rodney, but I haven't heard back from him just yet about his take on it.
Everything that I've purchased from Rodney works great. He makes first class products but on the cradle bushings I prefer the poly . They are about 1/2 the price and provide excellent cradle support and add a bit of a colorful touch.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
The front cradle bushings were a beast to drill out. And I notice I have some gash marks from the drill bit in the inside of the sleeve.
Yeah, I've been there. Even broke a drill bit, when the drill decided to take a sidestep. Oops. I cleaned up the burrs with a flap wheel, and the aluminum bushings went in without much fuss.
Yeah, I've been there. Even broke a drill bit, when the drill decided to take a sidestep. Oops. I cleaned up the burrs with a flap wheel, and the aluminum bushings went in without much fuss.
Side note: a little grease on the bushing helps.
I've tried both methods and for my taste the burnout method works best. You can heat up the sleeves then with one a shot of the hammer pound them out
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
