Upper control arm bushing support sleeve, necessary?

[|GF|.:Kowalski:.]

Hi,


I’m currently replacing the bushings on my front axle of my 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. While doing so, I came across the upper control arm bushing support sleeve on the upper control arms.


Now my question for better understanding: what exactly is the function of this sleeve?


For some reason, I couldn’t find any really good information about it online.


Does it absolutely have to be reinstalled?

And why should the cam assembly (eccentric bolts) be installed from the inside to the outside? It would be easier, for wheel alignment purposes, if the cam assembly were inserted from the outside to the inside.

 

[pnora]

The bushing is for added support. Some install one on each bushing, some just one and some none. Cam orientation is for access to loosening the nuts. Nuts outside are easier to get to.

 

[vance.dykes]

If you are not worried about originality go with an aftermarket solid upper control arm they will have heim joints with spacers where the cams would be used and then the actual arms forward and rearward of the upper control arm are adjustable I love mine they work fantastic I can get all the camber or caster I want for whatever I want to do and the car is much more solid in the turns

 

[vance.dykes]

https://duckduckgo.com/y.js?ad_doma...7FC94929C6C4F052BEBD293176DA4&ID=DevEx,5049.1

 

[|GF|.:Kowalski:.]

Thank you.
Unfortunately, these parts are not legal for classic cars in Germany. I will use the original upper control arms with offset bushings.

 

[WileE]

Those sleeves on the UCA bushings were utilized as added support in HD applications, such as police/taxi/fleet vehicles. Occasionally we would see them on ordinary cars. To use, not to use... it's up to you.

 

[|GF|.:Kowalski:.]

As I read it in the manual, they were also used with 10" drum brakes. It will probably come down to me leaving them out. I think that over the past 50 years, the quality and manufacturing of the bushings have improved.

 

[vance.dykes]

Thank you.
Unfortunately, these parts are not legal for classic cars in Germany. I will use the original upper control arms with offset bushings.

That is very interesting did not know I mean these are way better than the factories but Germany is Germany

 

[steve340]

I would put them back on - if you have them it cannot hurt.

 

[retractable]

I have always put them back on. It does not take long to install them.

 

[|GF|.:Kowalski:.]

That is very interesting did not know I mean these are way better than the factories but Germany is Germany

That’s because, under German law, classic cars must be kept as close to their original condition as possible. Parts that didn’t exist at the time are not allowed to be installed.

 

[|GF|.:Kowalski:.]

I would put them back on - if you have them it cannot hurt.

Jepp.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

That’s because, under German law, classic cars must be kept as close to their original condition as possible. Parts that didn’t exist at the time are not allowed to be installed.

That changes everything for the hobby. Are you allowed to modify a modern car in Germany?

 

[|GF|.:Kowalski:.]

That changes everything for the hobby. Are you allowed to modify a modern car in Germany?

Yes, you can modify cars. However, there’s a catch: any modification to the vehicle must be approved by the TÜV. This approval certifies that the vehicle is roadworthy and safe for use on public roads.

TÜV stands for “Technical Inspection Association.” It refers to independent inspection organizations that test technical systems, products, and vehicles for safety, quality, and environmental protection. Their most well-known task is the periodic vehicle inspection (Hauptuntersuchung, HU), commonly referred to as “getting the TÜV done,” which is usually required by law every two years.


Key facts about TÜV:

• Origin: The organizations originated from steam boiler inspection associations in 1866.
• Tasks: In addition to passenger car inspections (HU/AU), TÜV inspects industrial facilities, elevators, household appliances, and certifies management systems.
• Periodic inspection (HU): Mandatory since 1951 to ensure road safety and compliance of vehicles.
• Regional organizations: There isn’t just one single TÜV, but several independent groups such as TÜV Nord, TÜV Süd, TÜV Rheinland, TÜV Saarland, and TÜV Thüringen.
• Sticker: The color of the sticker on the rear license plate indicates the year of the next required inspection.

 

[YY1]

Would showing the factory manual that shows these parts help?

 

[|GF|.:Kowalski:.]

Would showing the factory manual that shows these parts help?

I have the book, but it doesn’t explain what function this sleeve has.

 

[YY1]

But it has a picture of it installed.

 

[|GF|.:Kowalski:.]

Jepp, I will try.