Radius Arm Bushings
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Colorado
Radius Arm Bushings
Wow! I changed the radius arm bushings on my 85 Bronco today and what a difference! Drives like a new truck again. Doesn't wander, no thunking underneath when you hit a bump/cross RR tracks.
I did find something I did not like while doing this. The previous owner had changed the shocks, and used smaller diameter bolts than stock. I suspect this is due to factory using metric, and shock manufacturer using SAE. The bolts that were used had a small shoulder on the head end which was the correct size for the shock bracket, but relied on the threads to bear the force on the nut side. The bolt had worn down in diameter quite a bit allowing the shock to float some. I replaced them with 1/2 inch diameter bolts. Ride improved quite a bit.
Anyone else ever find this?
I did find something I did not like while doing this. The previous owner had changed the shocks, and used smaller diameter bolts than stock. I suspect this is due to factory using metric, and shock manufacturer using SAE. The bolts that were used had a small shoulder on the head end which was the correct size for the shock bracket, but relied on the threads to bear the force on the nut side. The bolt had worn down in diameter quite a bit allowing the shock to float some. I replaced them with 1/2 inch diameter bolts. Ride improved quite a bit.
Anyone else ever find this?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Radius Arm Bushings
> The previous owner had changed the shocks, and used smaller
> diameter bolts than stock.
It sounds like they installed Bronco II shocks instead of Bronco shocks! On my BII I found I could use many Bronco parts, including window motors, by simply adapting them. For my rear shocks all I had to do is ream the rear mount out to 1/2 inch and install the Bronco shocks and use grade 8 bolts. Worked great.
On the other hand I recently bought Rancho 5000 shocks for my F-100 and the mickey mouse adapters were not correct and undersized. Maybe someone replaced them with an adapter kit that was not correct.
> diameter bolts than stock.
It sounds like they installed Bronco II shocks instead of Bronco shocks! On my BII I found I could use many Bronco parts, including window motors, by simply adapting them. For my rear shocks all I had to do is ream the rear mount out to 1/2 inch and install the Bronco shocks and use grade 8 bolts. Worked great.
On the other hand I recently bought Rancho 5000 shocks for my F-100 and the mickey mouse adapters were not correct and undersized. Maybe someone replaced them with an adapter kit that was not correct.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Colorado
Radius Arm Bushings
Fordnutzz,
I did indeed use poly after reading all the comments on prior posts.
My only concern at this point is I found no 'heat shield' on the passenger side (85 Bronco 300-I6). I saw no apparent damge to the old bushing, but I'll keep an eye out for early damage. I am thinking about fabricating one. From what I can tell, it doesn't require anything more than some sheet metal to deflect the heat from the cat.
I did indeed use poly after reading all the comments on prior posts.
My only concern at this point is I found no 'heat shield' on the passenger side (85 Bronco 300-I6). I saw no apparent damge to the old bushing, but I'll keep an eye out for early damage. I am thinking about fabricating one. From what I can tell, it doesn't require anything more than some sheet metal to deflect the heat from the cat.
