Body bushing hardware

[SmokeEater829]

I just received my body bushing kit from James Duff. I knew it didn't come with the required hardware. And none of my factory hardware will be reusable. I'm planning on getting all new 1/2" bolts, locknuts, and washers to install with. My question is go I need to put a sleeve inside the bushings, or not. The factory hardware acts like a sleeve inside the bushing, so I'm thinking I need to do something similar to the factory setup. I'm guessing a piece of steel tubing with a 1/2" ID would allow the bolts to go thru and let the washers on each side hold everything together. Do I need this or not?

Thanks

 

[DesertOttFam]

Well, I didn't go the high-dollar Duff route on those (DID do the full suspension bushings, though). I cheated and did the old redneck, back-woods trick...added a hockey puck to each body bushing height and raised the body off the frame about an inch. For hardware, I simply used grade 8 bolts (these ARE for the body to the frame, and the cost difference I feel is negligible), washers, and nylock nuts. When I get the thing back on the road, for the first 20k miles or so I'll be routinely checking to make sure everything stays where I put it--no locks rotting out of nuts and such. I didn't use any pipe to center bush, but I suppose you could. They should all stay in line--I'm not worried.

I suppose one COULD do ALL hockey-puck, and skip the regular bushings altogether, just using them and hardware-store bolts. Personal preference, I guess, having the proper-fit bushings and all.

Weird, but my body bushings weren't in all that bad of shape, but the suspension ones were toast. Another reason I HATE New Mexico...ANYTHING rubber disintegrates in this sun. Hoses, lines, bushings, tires, dashpads, cushions...you name it. I hate it down here.