Rubber Bushed Front Suspension Upper Link Trunnion Washers

[John Dolphin]

Has any one got a source for the front suspension upper link trunnion outer washers (part no J54474 in the parts book) ?

These should be anti rotation washers with a D shaped hole.

I got a full set of bushes & washers from JCS and they have provided 4 off round holed washers with a 1/2" hole, suitable for the main section of the spindle. Once the bushes are installed and compressed the outer washers sit on the 3/8" threaded portion of the spindle. I have tried assembling the link using the 1/2" washers but when I rotate the upper spring arms by hand I can see the slotted nut moving and bending the 1/16" split pin. I don't think the split pin would last very long on the road without the correct washers.

John Dolphin
E3SA 887

[Forumadmin]

You could weld the flat in. But a good spot, and worth everyone to check. Also suggest using Loctite on nut.

[Drummond Black]

Hi John, Am I correct in assuming that the metalastic bushes you received from JCS do not have a steel disc on the larger end ?. The original metalastic bushes fitted by Jowett had a full steel thimble and the 1/2" washers are supplied to replace this and make up to the original dimension. JCS assume that you will refit the original " D" holed washer which you rightly state are required to stop the nut attempting to turn. Do you still have the original D washers ? I might have some second hand ones if needed. I made some stainless steel ones for the Javelin to try and stop them rusting. ( a few hours with a small file to make the D hole- and you require them to be at least 3mm thick ). I always fit Stainless Steel 3/8" BSF nuts in this area and cut a slot with the hacksaw for the split pin. Give me a shout if I can assist further.

Drummond

[John Dolphin]

Thanks for the replies.

You're right Drummond the replacement bushes don't have a steel disc at the larger end. The washers provided by JCS are 1/2"x 1 3/16" so they are a bit loose over the 3/8" thread. Unfortunately I don't have the original D washers as they were badly corroded and I threw them away many years ago after stripping the front suspension.

I am going to have a go using Keith's suggestion and spotting some weld in to create the D hole. I have ordered some M10x30mm stainless washers from eBay which should do the job. I'll put some photos on the forum if I manage to come up with a reasonable solution.

[Drummond Black]

John, thanks for reply. Unless you have manages to get ultra thick ones I doubt that they will last. That area does take a bit of a thrashing as the car bumps around. I have found two good S/H ones, so far, will probably find others in the garage. As I said they require to be at least 3mm or 1/8th inch thick. Give me a call if you wish, Number is in the Jowetteer.

Drummond

[Forumadmin]

Never throw anything away, or at least until you have rebuilt the car. Ask Amy and Jack!

[John Dolphin]

I had a good chat with Drummond on the phone who explained some of the finer points of the late type suspension.

He kindly offered to send me a set of secondhand anti rotation washers. Now I have them I can see that they're fairly substantial. I mananged to find some M10x30mm washers on eBay which are 2.5mm thick. Although they are a reasonable match for OD and hole diameter they look a little on the thin side.

I guess at a push they could be used to make new anti rotation washers but as Drummond has sent me a set I'll use the secondhand ones.

Once again Jowett Car Club members have shown great generosity regarding information and parts.