P1000 A-Arm aftermarket bushings

EMAW

EMAW

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I’ve seen a lot of comments on different threads about replacement bushings, for the popular aftermarket 1.5” fwd, high clearance a-arms. So…..What is the best replacement bushings?
 
ToddACimer

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@RB3offroad offroad makes a great bushing for SuperAtv arms. I've run superatv bushings, garage product bushings and RB3 bushings and I can tell you the Superatv bushings wear the fastest. Garage products is the hardest to get a hold of and the bushings are soft. RB3 has a really good fit and grooves for grease. They also have awesome service. RB3 is my choice.
 
Smitty335

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I’ve seen a lot of comments on different threads about replacement bushings, for the popular aftermarket 1.5” fwd, high clearance a-arms. So…..What is the best replacement bushings?
I ran into a guy that was leaving the next day at the TO this year and he was telling me about rubber insulated bushings for after market A arms he had on his buggy, I be danged if I can rember the name of the company that makes them, that's what a guy needs.
 
Smitty335

Smitty335

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I ran into a guy that was leaving the next day at the TO this year and he was telling me about rubber insulated bushings for after market A arms he had on his buggy, I be danged if I can rember the name of the company that makes them, that's what a guy needs.
I'm running RB3 A-arm bushings and have about 4,000 miles on them. The front end started sounding really lose and clanking. I ordered a set of front bushings and started installing them and to my surprise only the bottom bushings were bad, especially the bottom rear bushing. So next time I'll try to order just the bottom bushings since I still have new uppers that I didn't use this time. And I am running the SATV Arms and 30 inch tires so I understand the small bushing wear. Best thing, 4 bolts and install the bushings, Ow yea it's easier if you take tires off. HA!
 
EMAW

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I got tired of replacing bushings. This is what I did, so you can take it as a suggestion!

If, you have your stock a-arms and the rubber encapsulated bushing are still good…..press the bushings out.
IMG 5417


Cut the round sleeve ends off the a-arms and carefully grind the factory welds so the OD of the sleeves are smooth.

For the threaded bolts I used 10.9 hardness (M20-1.50 thread) from Fastenal, SKU #11114894.

I ground a 1.5” dia. Saddle into the head of the bolts using a 1.5” dia. Stone. This can be done many ways. I used a HD drill press and a milling vise.
Then chamfered all edges to be welded (not shown in pic).

IMG 5424

IMG 5098


You will need to make a holding tool to hold the bolts centered and perpendicular to the sleeves for the welding.

IMG 5199


I used my MIG welder with 2 passes.

Then media blast and paint. Press in bushings.

IMG 5423


All the grinding is the time consuming part of the process.
 
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ToddACimer

ToddACimer

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I got tired of replacing bushings. This is what I did, so you can take it as a suggestion!

If, you have your stock a-arms and the rubber encapsulated bushing are still good…..press the bushings out.
View attachment 462235

Cut the round sleeve ends off the a-arms and carefully grind the factory welds so the OD of the sleeves are smooth.

For the threaded bolts I used 10.9 harness (M20-1.50 thread) from Fastenal, SKU #11114894.

I ground a 1.5” dia. Saddle into the head of the bolts using a 1.5” dia. Stone. This can be done many ways. I used a HD drill press and a milling vise.
Then chamfered all edges to be welded (not shown in pic).

View attachment 462236
View attachment 462237

You will need to make a holding tool to hold the bolts centered and perpendicular to the sleeves for the welding.

View attachment 462238

I used my MIG welder with 2 passes.

Then media blast and paint. Press in bushings.

View attachment 462239

All the grinding is the time consuming part of the process.
Im not sure I've seen a source for replacement OEM bushings. Can you order new ones?
 
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