Need help installing RADIUS arm bushings QUICK.......

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Apr 11, 2003 | 06:46 PM

mnm99

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Joined: Apr 2003

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Need help installing RADIUS arm bushings QUICK.......

I went to install the radius arm bushing and It wouldn't fit???? I have a 4 inch lift with the drop down brackets. I bought bushings from Autozone. They come in these pieces and am told to put it in this order..

-metal cup washer
-large bushing

other side of bracket

-Black spacer
-small bushing
-washer
-Bolt

There is no way the bolt will fit!!!!!!
Is the energy suspension just

-metal cup washer
-large bushing

Other side of bracket

-small bushing
-washer
-bolt..

Someone tell me whats wrong!!!
Need help quick...

1988 Bronco

Apr 11, 2003 | 06:52 PM

greystreak92

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 9,182

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From: Gateway to the West

Need help installing RADIUS arm bushings QUICK.......

The "black spacer" is my question. What need is there for the spacer? The bracket is only 1/8 " stamped steel. The stock bushings have the compression washers and one half of the bushing on either side of the bracket. Shouldn't be any need for any other spacers/bushings/washers. Now, new bushings WILL have to be compressed a bit when you first install them....thats how i messed up a thread on my passenger side stock raduis arm. So, I bought extended ones when I bought my lift!

Apr 11, 2003 | 06:57 PM

mnm99

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Need help installing RADIUS arm bushings QUICK.......

whats the order of the new ones?

front washer
bushing
bracket
bushing
back washer
nut
????

Apr 11, 2003 | 07:11 PM

greystreak92

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2002

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From: Gateway to the West

Need help installing RADIUS arm bushings QUICK.......

Yep! that should be all you need. I mean thats how the stock ones are set up.

Apr 12, 2003 | 06:35 AM

mnm99

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Need help installing RADIUS arm bushings QUICK.......

Thats why I'm confused...That's not how the stock ones are setup. My bracket is a Rough Country lift bracket and it's a little over 1/2 inch thick. I can't post a pic so I try this way

------------( O I i o l D--

This is the stock way.........With the stock kit from Autozone. I ordered Energy suspension, Are they any diff?

( = curved washer
O = large bushing
I = bracket
i = black spacer
o = small bushing
i = large washer
D= nut

There is no way I can get the nut on.
Anyone use the energy suspension bushings? how did you set them up?

Thanks

Last edited by mnm99; Apr 12, 2003 at 06:44 AM.

Apr 12, 2003 | 11:13 AM

msautry

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Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 267

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From: Everett, WA

Need help installing RADIUS arm bushings QUICK.......

I used the energy susp bushings on my 89 and you're right, it's tough to make them fit. I shaved a little material off the back side of the rear bushing (the last big washer goes against it) until I could get a couple of threads for the nut to bite on. Didn't have to remove too much, and they tightened right down correctly.

Its an easy, quick fix.

hope this helps

msautry

Apr 12, 2003 | 11:50 AM

mnm99

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Need help installing RADIUS arm bushings QUICK.......

I was told from someone to leave out the black spacer with the energy suspension bushings. If I do that it will fit ok.

so its....

-Curved washer
-Large bushing ( curverd part foward )
-Bracket
-Small bushing ( curved part facing rear )
-large flat washer
-Nut

How did you install the spacer ( if you used it? ) do both curved parts of the bushings face toward the front and back?

Still not sure??

Apr 13, 2003 | 07:39 AM

Dazza

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 63

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From: Australia

Need help installing RADIUS arm bushings QUICK.......

I've used the Superlift drop down brackets, and with the Kit you dont need to use the spacer due to the thickness of the cast bracket, compared to the original pressed steel one.
Working fine after 4years.