globalwest delalum rear leaf spring bushings

R. Thorne · 01-11-2012, 09:55 PM

Global West verified the specs and seemed surprised about the dimensions I gave them, said they should have about .015-.020 press fit. After some research on the net, I learned that others have had the same issues and can only speculate that their springs (globalwest) are made to a slightly larger (.020) spec than oem. Competition Engineering's aluminum bushings are smaller than GW and would fit oem springs much easier (.020 press fit). I decided to go ahead with the GW, however, as they control the lateral sway better (to help with tire clearance when turning corners with a locked rear end). The key to installing them is to separate the spring curl (about 1/8 of an inch) with a screwdriver and then tap in a pry bar to hold it in position while you are pressing the bushing (I did it with my large shop vise as I don't have a press) . I then used some old bearing races to finish installing them after they were pressed flush with the spring. The frame bushings were a piece of cake ( only about .020 press fit, remember) with threaded rod and plates and bearing races, again. GlobalWest assured me that there would be no problem with the front end bushings, but they also acted as if my situation was peculiar. They also refused to give out specifications on their bushings. I think I am going to go with afcos on the front. All in all, not the most enjoyable experience I have had with a manufacurer. Hope this helps. Ron.

01-11-2012, 09:55 PM	#4
R. Thorne Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 183 Likes: 75 Liked 101 Times in 34 Posts	Re: globalwest delalum rear leaf spring bushings Global West verified the specs and seemed surprised about the dimensions I gave them, said they should have about .015-.020 press fit. After some research on the net, I learned that others have had the same issues and can only speculate that their springs (globalwest) are made to a slightly larger (.020) spec than oem. Competition Engineering's aluminum bushings are smaller than GW and would fit oem springs much easier (.020 press fit). I decided to go ahead with the GW, however, as they control the lateral sway better (to help with tire clearance when turning corners with a locked rear end). The key to installing them is to separate the spring curl (about 1/8 of an inch) with a screwdriver and then tap in a pry bar to hold it in position while you are pressing the bushing (I did it with my large shop vise as I don't have a press) . I then used some old bearing races to finish installing them after they were pressed flush with the spring. The frame bushings were a piece of cake ( only about .020 press fit, remember) with threaded rod and plates and bearing races, again. GlobalWest assured me that there would be no problem with the front end bushings, but they also acted as if my situation was peculiar. They also refused to give out specifications on their bushings. I think I am going to go with afcos on the front. All in all, not the most enjoyable experience I have had with a manufacurer. Hope this helps. Ron.