Fresh Air Inspector
Well-Known Member
Hello All,
If this thread should be in the 'Police Cars' section, please let me know.
I'm approaching the half way point in what will be a 3 year project restoring / modifying a 1988 AHB code Plymouth Caravelle (aka Gran Fury). I've just pulled the 8 1/4" rear axle out to replace the original 2.94 open diff with 3.55 Sure Grip. The original bushings, isolators and U bolts are toast. I suspect a number of you have been down this road already. So ....
1. U Bolts
What type of U bolt did you use? I have been unable to find ones that match the factory items; the underside of the curve has been flattened to better spread the axle tube load and the underside of the flattened portion also has an X pattern stamped into it to better grip the axle tube. The axle tubes are 3", the U bolts are 3/8" with a height of 4 3/4". Any recommendations?
2. Leaf Spring Bushings
The front bushing is the large oval one with the metal outer sleeve. The rear shackle is a 'stepped' design with the frame mounting about 4 3/4" wide and the leaf eye at about 3 1/2" wide. Based on what I have found online, this 'stepped design' appears to be unique to the AHB code (police package), vehicles. I have new standard after market items for the front and shackle bushings but would prefer Polyurethane to match all the bushings I have for the rear sway bar, front suspension and motor mounts.
3. Shackle Studs
The studs that support the bushings in the shackles have some corrosion, I would like to replace these. Since I believe these shackles are unique to the AHB code vehicles I will need to replace these studs. These are welded into one side of the bracket, I assume that these can be drilled out and replaced with a grade 8 bolt of similar dimensions? Anyone done this?
4. Isolators
These are well past their 'sell by date' and need to be replaced. It appears that ESPO Springs 'n Things carries these items as well as the front leaf spring bushings and shackle bushings. Has anyone used their products? Happy with the quality? Or is another supplier recommended; Firmfeel?
Looking forward to the feedback.
If this thread should be in the 'Police Cars' section, please let me know.
I'm approaching the half way point in what will be a 3 year project restoring / modifying a 1988 AHB code Plymouth Caravelle (aka Gran Fury). I've just pulled the 8 1/4" rear axle out to replace the original 2.94 open diff with 3.55 Sure Grip. The original bushings, isolators and U bolts are toast. I suspect a number of you have been down this road already. So ....
1. U Bolts
What type of U bolt did you use? I have been unable to find ones that match the factory items; the underside of the curve has been flattened to better spread the axle tube load and the underside of the flattened portion also has an X pattern stamped into it to better grip the axle tube. The axle tubes are 3", the U bolts are 3/8" with a height of 4 3/4". Any recommendations?
2. Leaf Spring Bushings
The front bushing is the large oval one with the metal outer sleeve. The rear shackle is a 'stepped' design with the frame mounting about 4 3/4" wide and the leaf eye at about 3 1/2" wide. Based on what I have found online, this 'stepped design' appears to be unique to the AHB code (police package), vehicles. I have new standard after market items for the front and shackle bushings but would prefer Polyurethane to match all the bushings I have for the rear sway bar, front suspension and motor mounts.
3. Shackle Studs
The studs that support the bushings in the shackles have some corrosion, I would like to replace these. Since I believe these shackles are unique to the AHB code vehicles I will need to replace these studs. These are welded into one side of the bracket, I assume that these can be drilled out and replaced with a grade 8 bolt of similar dimensions? Anyone done this?
4. Isolators
These are well past their 'sell by date' and need to be replaced. It appears that ESPO Springs 'n Things carries these items as well as the front leaf spring bushings and shackle bushings. Has anyone used their products? Happy with the quality? Or is another supplier recommended; Firmfeel?
Looking forward to the feedback.