Cheap Handling Fix

[Dunner]

I made mine out of scrap chromoly and shock ends I had in the attic. I also had some poly inserts from a suspension upgrade I did on one of my trucks. A lot of people don't put longer links on and don't report any problems.

If you look at it geometrically, it's even shorter with the new angle, which would make it slightly stiffer.

[jlyon69]

Its definetly going to be stffer! I just hope I dont encounter a hard lean situation which would put excess stress and snap a link or bolt. Im not worried about though. I'll put 'er through its paces on the way to FL.

[Dunner]

My original front links are in my MH basement... somewhere...

[mpaton]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlyon69 I cant figure why anyone would remove the rear bushings.

No one will have removed them. They will have become so worn that they will have disintegrated and fallen out.

[Dunner]

I have heard that rubber deteriorates with the use of petroleum oil, so I won't suggest WD-40 without knowing for sure if it is bad for the bushings to help align the rear holes on the anti-sway bars.

[jlyon69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpaton No one will have removed them. They will have become so worn that they will have disintegrated and fallen out.

There was definatly some previous work done on the rear as there were 2 newer/different bolts. My pro mechanic friend (who is a long time MH owner) said the original bushings do deteriate, but not to the point to completely disapear. He.suggested in time, these can make a terrible loud noise and that the dumb previous owner removed them rather than lube them. We'll never know, but that makes more sence to me.

[jlyon69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner I have heard that rubber deteriorates with the use of petroleum oil, so I won't suggest WD-40 without knowing for sure if it is bad for the bushings to help align the rear holes on the anti-sway bars.

The new poly bushings come with a special lube for this and to eliminate any squeaking.

[Dunner]

Did you jack up the rear and see if the anti-sway bar hits your diff? Mine does, but I'm not going Evel Knievel and start jumping my MH over 30 motorcycles.

[Midniteoyl]

Please dont use WD40 on rubber bushings....

[jlyon69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner Did you jack up the rear and see if the anti-sway bar hits your diff? Mine does, but I'm not going Evel Knievel and start jumping my MH over 30 motorcycles.

My away bar is enclosed in the brackets regardless that the bushings are gone. So no, its not hitting the diff.

[Dunner]

Not at the brackets. Near the pumpkin. That big thing the gears are in near the center?

[jlyon69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner Not at the brackets. Near the pumpkin. That big thing the gears are in near the center?

...No it's not hitting the differential, watermelon, pumpkin or that thingy those gears spin around in.

Couldn't budge those 3/4 in bracket bolts last night. So I soaked them in JB and I'll give it another shot today. Hoping those bushings show up Monday so I can get the hell outta here!

John...

[Dunner]

How about when you jack the rear up all the way with your rear leveling jacks. If not, they must have made my 2004 bigger and stronger than your 1999.

[jlyon69]

I just got in and had the rear fully extended. Didn't seem to make any difference... The clearance was about 1/2 inch above the pig. Of course with no bushings, it hung a bit lower....sorta like yours does because of your age.

I will concede your's could be bigger than mine, but mine is still bigger that most.

On a more serious note, with the fix in place on both ends and the rear bushings in place, I should see a dramatic difference.... can't wait to try it out!

BTW, you ever have that sand monster on the dunes here in Mich?