Prothane T/A bushing install

[KMC3420]

Seeking some advice from the ones who have used the Prothane trailing arm bushings. I have the one side fully seated but the piece that is added to the opposite side is to long. Hopefully the pictures explain better. What has everybody done to alleviate this issue?

[KMC3420]

Right or wrong, unsure at this point but the only logical solution was to reduce the height of the bushing. So that’s what I did.

[PGSigns]

When I did mine I just beveled the inside of the bushing to clear the weld. They make them the correct length they just don't account for the weld.
Jimmy

[KMC3420]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

When I did mine I just beveled the inside of the bushing to clear the weld. They make them the correct length they just don't account for the weld.
Jimmy

Thanks Jimmy. Too late for that now, but that is probably the better option. I couldn’t force the bushing over that lip, I tried. The bushings do not have much give to them.

[BigTopGT]

Is there a front and rear kit available or are you buying individual components for the components you're upgrading?

I'm already replacing shocks, springs, panhard bar, and upgrading/adding sway bars front and back, so it might be a good time to update all the bushings and stuff at once.

[KMC3420]

Originally Posted by BigTopGT

Is there a front and rear kit available or are you buying individual components for the components you're upgrading?

I'm already replacing shocks, springs, panhard bar, and upgrading/adding sway bars front and back, so it might be a good time to update all the bushings and stuff at once.

This is a kit for the rear trailing arms. You might read more on original rubber bushings versus these bushings as some have stated they offer a harsher ride.

Prothane Bushings

Brothers offers these like the originals.

Rubber bushings

[BigTopGT]

Originally Posted by KMC3420

This is a kit for the rear trailing arms. You might read more on original rubber bushings versus these bushings as some have stated they offer a harsher ride.

Prothane Bushings

Brothers offers these like the originals.

Rubber bushings

Thanks man.

My trailing arm bushings are shot, so I have to assume it's all shot, front to back. (I'll try to snap some pics in a bit as I go through mine today.)

I've used the poly bushings in the past (pretty much on everything) and realize they're more firm than oem, but I'm counting on the fact that my current setup is so bad that switching to fresh poly pieces will still be a much improved ride.

Right now, these cut coils and blown original shocks are kidney breakers.

[KMC3420]

Originally Posted by BigTopGT

Thanks man.

My trailing arm bushings are shot, so I have to assume it's all shot, front to back. (I'll try to snap some pics in a bit as I go through mine today.)

I've used the poly bushings in the past (pretty much on everything) and realize they're more firm than oem, but I'm counting on the fact that my current setup is so bad that switching to fresh poly pieces will still be a much improved ride.

Right now, these cut coils and blown original shocks are kidney breakers.

Yep, that’s the same song and dance for us all my man. Remove, clean, replace with new. The good part is the aftermarket is booming for these trucks.

[SCOTI]

Delrin lined spherical bushings would be best.

The rubber on the original bushings is part of what allowed the OE truck arm arrangement to function within the binding limitations designed. When we start stiffening them up using boxed/tubular aftermarket structure & poly bushings, it makes things (binding) worse.

If you want to 'tighten-up' the factory truck arm rear suspension & you're replacing the worn rubber/steel sleeve bushings, swap in a bushing that doesn't allow slop but also allows for articulation: https://www.hotchkis.net/product/196...rt-suspension/

[KMC3420]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Delrin lined spherical bushings would be best.

The rubber on the original bushings is part of what allowed the OE truck arm arrangement to function within the binding limitations designed. When we start stiffening them up using boxed/tubular aftermarket structure & poly bushings, it makes things (binding) worse.

If you want to 'tighten-up' the factory truck arm rear suspension & you're replacing the worn rubber/steel sleeve bushings, swap in a bushing that doesn't allow slop but also allows for articulation: https://www.hotchkis.net/product/196...rt-suspension/

Nice! That’s my first glance at that kit but looks like it’s the perfect solution. Maybe someday. For handling’s sake, I say hotchkis has done their homework on this piece. If, or maybe when the poly’s begin to squeak that might be what I use as the replacement. Thanks Scoti.

[BigTopGT]

Great find, man!

They're expensive, but I have a sneaking suspicion that they're totally worth it.