Delrin Rear Suspension Bushings

DLF

DLF

Registered
Since the rear LCA bushings aren't available, and since they aren't suitable for performance anyway, and because no one else has any other options....

I've started making my own Delrin bushings for the rear LCA's and knuckles.

It all started because I wanted to install a set of Mark VIII LCA's in my Thunderbird SC. Now that I've recently purchased my '98 LSC, a set will be going in it as well.

Just a few pictures, to give you an idea of what I'm doing.

pic1: A full set of hardcoat anodized 6061-T6 Aluminum spacers
pic2: Delrin bushings and spacers installed in a knuckle
pic3: Delrin bushings and spacers installed in a LCA (note the absent toe link)
pic4: Completed installation
 

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DLF said:
Since the rear LCA bushings aren't available, and since they aren't suitable for performance anyway, and because no one else has any other options....

I've started making my own Delrin bushings for the rear LCA's and knuckles.

It all started because I wanted to install a set of Mark VIII LCA's in my Thunderbird SC. Now that I've recently purchased my '98 LSC, a set will be going in it as well.

Just a few pictures, to give you an idea of what I'm doing.

pic1: A full set of hardcoat anodized 6061-T6 Aluminum spacers
pic2: Delrin bushings and spacers installed in a knuckle
pic3: Delrin bushings and spacers installed in a LCA (note the absent toe link)
pic4: Completed installation
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When you say "making", do you also mean selling? I'd pay good money for a set of those.
 
logres said:
When you say "making", do you also mean selling? I'd pay good money for a set of those.
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As soon as I'm satisifed with the results, yes.

The will be sold for "Off Road / Racing Use" ONLY! :)

However, they're not going to be cheap. The materials (including hardcoating the sleeves) are $70+ for the LCA's and about the same for the knuckles. Then there's a full day to create either the 4 sleeves and 8 bushings for the LCA's, and a little bit longer to make the 6 sleeves and 12 bushings for the knuckles.

I haven't settled on a price yet, but expect it to be a little north of $300 for either the LCA's or knuckles, so $600+ for the whole enchilada :eek:
 

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If you need another test mule - hit me up. :D

Otherwise, when you settle on a price, let me know. ;)
 
driller said:
If you need another test mule - hit me up. :D

Otherwise, when you settle on a price, let me know. ;)
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I'll have my SC on the road this weekend, and the first track test will be March 7th @ Englishtown.

After that I'll firm up a price.
 
T man said:
Why not street use? They're not up to DOT specs?

You have very nice shocks and brakes by the way ;)
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Because I'm an individual, not a company, and I can't afford the liability if someone uses them on the street, does something stupid, and then tries to blame the bushings. I'm running them on the street, at my own risk, which is what anyone else will have to do. There will be absolutely no warranty of any kind, just a complete disclaimer of any liability for anything. I have no idea what "DOT specs" are, but I used first class materials and even went to the extra trouble and expense of having the aluminum sleeves hardcoat anodized to prevent wear.

Thank you for the compliment.

On a side note, I hit the road today with the delrin bushings installed in my SC, and I couldn't be more pleased. No hint of any wheelhop, which is a big problem with manual SC's. After a trip to the alignment shop, I took a nice long ride. The ride is stiff, which I suspect will subside somewhat as the bushings bed in (I also have my new Koni's set to +180), but without an increase in noise. Handling is predictable, and I'm having a complete blast powersliding around corners :D
 
Also in thought im not sure the hard anodize is needed either. Other than the slight risk of galvanic corrosion I cant see it doing much good and adds alot to cost.

Not trying to nitpick I have wanted to this for a long time. Very well made but if you wanted to cut costs you may want to look into this.
 
flynfrog said:
Why delrin? There are cheaper non brand name nylons out there that would suit this need just fine for way less
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Delrin is the matrerial used by Maximum Motorsports and others in the suspension bushings for the IRS Cobra's. I have some in my Cobra, and I'm very happy with the performance.

flynfrog said:
Also in thought im not sure the hard anodize is needed either. Other than the slight risk of galvanic corrosion I cant see it doing much good and adds alot to cost.

Not trying to nitpick I have wanted to this for a long time. Very well made but if you wanted to cut costs you may want to look into this.
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The aluminum bushings can wear if not treated, as they're under a great deal of stress, I've seen it happen. I wasn't looking to cut costs, but rather to make the best bushings I could. Even using delrin, and hard coat anodizing the sleeves, the bulk of the cost is labor.
 
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