So I changed my rear trailing arm bushings and the torque rod bushings (with poly!) on my '79 242GT yesterday. I forgot what a pain that job is! I'm more sore today than I was last week after going climbing for the first time in 6 months. Some of those bolts were really tight, and getting the axle to line up with the bushing holes after replacement sure was a joy. At least my homemade bushing tool fulfilled it's pushing duties yet again. I think I need to go to a massage therapist.

But boy does the back end of the car feel tight! I put in some overload springs while I was at it, and the whole rear of the car feels like one solid piece! It's grand. Much better than clunks. Now I just need to find some Bilstein HD shocks for back there....anyone got some used ones they don't want?

Nate

"and getting the axle to line up with the bushing holes after replacement sure was a joy. "
I find racheting tie downs to be quite useful for pulling things together and apart. (As well as, a couple, for lifting engines.)

at one point I thought "I wish I owned some ratcheting tie downs." Seriously. Instead I had to use a lot of muscle and contortion. Maybe I should've just gone and bought some tie downs. Thanks for the tip though! Meh, I'm less sore today anyways.

Nate

Congrats!

I think I know that sore. I was mighty sore after replacing the entire exhaust on the 240. Part of it is being on your back or side working under a car forces you to use those little tiny muscles that anatomy students have a bear of a time finding. Add a touch of adrenaline that comes from doing something that you haven't done before, and wanting (or needing) to get it done, so you unknowingly are giving it 110%.

Don't worry, after three days you'll be close to unsore again, and in 6 months you may consider DIYing bushings again someday! :-)

-Ryan


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Athens, Ohio
1990 245 DL 133k M47, Cibié E-codes, Now with working wipers!
1991 745 GL 290k (Girlfriend-mobile)
Buckeye Volvo Club