Chassis Bushes

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by 3 G Bee, Aug 21, 2017.

  1. 3 G Bee

    3 G Bee Full Access Member

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    Purchased my 2007 Bee new in fall of 2006 and tucked it away in the Garage basically until I had to have an emissions test done 5 years later at 300 km all the usual factory defects started showing up. First it was the $ 12.00 Transmission "O" ring swelling leaking fluid on my garage floor was a 20 minute fix. Then at about 3,000 km the steering thumping grinding scrapping noises were prevalent from torn cheap rubber Bushes, So rather than replace them with OEM parts that would probably tear again I purchased a 46 Piece Polyurethane Bush Kit from Peddars out of Australia.
    Since my warranty had expired and knowing I was never going to sell this car I decided that was my best option to improve firmness and comfort as well as overall quality of chassis flexibility. I spent he first weekend just removing the front strut towers and components and replacing all the bushings. I also decided to replace the Lower Ball joints with Moogs at the same time since I had it apart. I also ordered and installed Pedders caster adjustment bolts that would allow me to move the top of the tires outboard closer to positive position.

    The next weekend I dropped the rear axle from the car and dismantled and replaced all the Bushings. It was a pain using a chain fall to hoist the axle into position on the hydraulic press to press out the old Bushes and the new Bushes in But the entire job was completed in 2 weekends.

    The lower stance of the Bee along with the chopped roof appearance is what sold me on the car and with the firmer ride from the Poly Bushes has turned this car into one real road huger especially around highway bends and curves at higher speeds accelerating 1/2 way through curve.

    Anyone planning to hold onto their pride and joy or the long haul should consider Polyurethane Bushes You will not be disappointed in the least.
     
  2. quietpeen

    quietpeen Administrator Staff Member

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    very nice. That sounds like a lot of work you did.
     
  3. Shaggy

    Shaggy Administrator Staff Member

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    Wow! Nice work! I love seeing it in action, so do you have pics of you installing it?
     
  4. LB3711

    LB3711 Green Goblin Staff Member

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    that sounds cool.
     
  5. 3 G Bee

    3 G Bee Full Access Member

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    No Sorry guys no pics Myself and 2 friends did it in his Very large 60 x 40 steel garage Jacked up car onto 4 safety stands and had at it. He has the space, air supply, gas heater, and all the tooling needed. We are all Chrysler workers so tearing these cars apart and putting them back together was a daily occurrence. We started at 8 Am Saturday morning after working the afternoon shift and did not stop until Sunday night around 9 PM both weekends. Only stopped for a lunch break and coffee thanks to his wife.
    Yes it was a lot of work but also a lot of fun. and gratifying when we finished it

    I don't know if you guys remember When Daimler owned Chrysler and they first launched the 300 They did a tv commercial where the rear axle was laying on the grass lawn in front of the guys house suggesting how easy these cars can be worked on. This first aired during the Red Wings stanley cup finals I think.

    What made me want to do this ourselves was the cost of Parts and Labor at the dealer, They wanted $ 7,600.00 just for 18 main Pedders Bushes front and rear. So after contacting Pedders I got all the 46 Bushes and caster bolts for just under $ 1, 800.00 Canadian. So I figure I saved at least 8 grand by doing it ourselves.

    Believe me when I say the difference in firmness, ride control, and cornering is night and day.
    Before the change when I tramped on the GO pedal the Rear end used to squat down and spin the tires . Now no squatting just HUG and GO.

    Road bumps are a little harsher but no squishy mushy feeling at all. And I still have a grin on my face every time a take a corner at posted road speed while everyone else hits the Binders.
     
  6. quietpeen

    quietpeen Administrator Staff Member

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    Wow that is a huge savings. However if you had fun doing it that makes it all the better
     
  7. 3 G Bee

    3 G Bee Full Access Member

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    It is a lot of fun probably because you don't have the worry about something going wrong when you learn to do things yourself and have confidence in the people helping you.

    The savings is an added BONUS I would rather buy a tool to repair something than spend the money on others Labor cost's

    Here's another good example, When these cars first launched in 2003 Chrysler 300 was first, then Magnum2005 , then Charger. The little Pink plastic shift actuator under the shifter that was breaking on everyones car. Well again because My car was mothballed I did not bother with it at the time everyone was getting them replaced.

    Well about a month ago I get in the car to go for a drive and my car will not shift out of park. So I remove the top console cover, Center stack cover and take out the screws holding the console in place and slide it back a few inches to reach under the shifter a flip the actuator with my finger drive to dealer and get the part for $ 17.00 and change. The dealer wanted $ 382.00 labor plus cost of part to do this. I get home disengage shift cable and wire harness to allow me to remove the old part slide the new part onto stem and button everything back up. Total time involved was about 30 - 45 minutes.

    I wish I could earn that kind of money for my time, I would rather show someone how to repair something knowing they gain the knowledge and confidence to tackle any repair necessary.
     
  8. quietpeen

    quietpeen Administrator Staff Member

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    well if you haven't read my lowering a daytona 5.7 you won't know the hassle i'm going through just to get the camber fixed on the rear wheels.

    Basically I can't find a shop that has either the knowledge, tools, or interest to install 4 camber bushings for me (2 per side). So I'm finally saying screw it and ordered the tools and I'm going to install them myself. Its really not that hard of a job, I just was trying to avoid spending $150 on a press and 2 dyes that I will only use once. I will actually feel better knowing that I did it and it is done right.
     
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