New "Metal Shells" for Rear Control Arms

  • #1

    New "Metal Shells" for Rear Control Arms

    Hey everyone!

    I've been redoing my rear suspension with Urethane bushings, and it looks like I screwed up pretty bad. I read that the "inner sleeves" in the control arms weren't re-used, so I cut them out. Apparently, what I thought were the "inner sleeves" were actually the "metal shells" and those were not supposed to come out. I've tried all the hardware stores around me and cannot find any metal tubes that would work to replace the shells. Any advice?

    Here's a thread for someone who was describing what I think was the same issue, doesn't look like he found a solution:
    https://z31performance.com/forum/z31…l-arm-bushings

    Here's a kit that includes the "metal shells" I'm talking about (on the right):
    https://www.showoffimports.nl/produc…roductid=79693

    Without these shells, there's way too much play when I put in the Urethane bushings, so I can't just skip them. I'm worried that if I just cut and shape some sheet metal, it'll slide too much (which would probably cause a terrible noise + damaging).
    Last edited by Kihnspiracy; 03-04-2018, 07:29 PM.
  • #2
    I tracked down the following, which are for the z32 - but they seem to include that metal ‘shell.’ Anyone know if z32 rear control arms have the same size holes as z31?

    https://www.andysautosport.com/produ…e__W51219.html
  • #3
    Unfortunately it might be easier just to find some replacement rear control arms and start over.
    If you have an 84-86, you can use 87-89 control arms that have 10mm more stick out, but are still a drop in replacement.


    84 AE/Shiro #683/Shiro #820/84 Turbo
  • #4
    Originally posted by Z_Karma View Post
    Unfortunately it might be easier just to find some replacement rear control arms and start over.
    If you have an 84-86, you can use 87-89 control arms that have 10mm more stick out, but are still a drop in replacement.
    Yeahhh, that’s what I was afraid of. Guess I’ll be shopping around junkyards. Good to know that the 87-89 also fit - thanks.
  • #5
    If the control arms are going to be more than $20, why not just buy the factory Nissan replacement bushings with sleeves? Then you can stick those brand new ones in or hack the center out and put the poly stuff in. Either way is a win.

    I saw the link to the Courtesy Nissan ones https://www.courtesyparts.com/oem-pa…ngs-5504501p00
    but it looks like the M30 bushings might be the same part # too https://www.infinitipartsdeal.com/pa…045-01p00.html

    I set up a wholesale account with the Nissan Dealerships around me to get the best price. Might want to call and see if your local dealership will match the online price or give you the wholesale price. If they order them, then you won't have to pay for shipping.
  • #6
    Originally posted by Dunkine View Post
    If the control arms are going to be more than $20, why not just buy the factory Nissan replacement bushings with sleeves? Then you can stick those brand new ones in or hack the center out and put the poly stuff in. Either way is a win.

    I saw the link to the Courtesy Nissan ones https://www.courtesyparts.com/oem-pa…ngs-5504501p00
    but it looks like the M30 bushings might be the same part # too https://www.infinitipartsdeal.com/pa…045-01p00.html

    I set up a wholesale account with the Nissan Dealerships around me to get the best price. Might want to call and see if your local dealership will match the online price or give you the wholesale price. If they order them, then you won't have to pay for shipping.
    Thanks for the link - I don't think those are what I need though, they seem to just have the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve… not the metal shells. Maybe I'm looking at the pictures wrong?
  • #7
    Here's a picture of one off ebay.



  • #8
    Originally posted by Dunkine View Post
    Here's a picture of one off ebay.


    Thanks for the pic, that's not it unfortunately. That's got the inner tube and the metal sleeve, which normally fits into the 'shell' I'm talking about. The shell has got a lip on its end.

    Thanks for taking the time to find that photo though!
  • #9
    I didn't know there was a shell. If you get a chance, would you take a picture of your cut shell. Thanks.
    Rear Suspension Arm. 1984 FSM
    1 Photo
  • #10
    When you burn out the bushings you keep the outer sleeve (shell) and scrape the rubber off of it.
    It's only the crossmember bushings that you have to carefully notch the outer sleeve and remove it.

    What you need is either 4 new oem bushings with that outer sleeve intact so you can have them pressed into your control arms and then start over.

    or

    2 control arms so you can start over



    Here is a photo from when i burned mine out on my 84T, and installed polyurethane, leaving the outer sleeve/shell intact.







    84 AE/Shiro #683/Shiro #820/84 Turbo
    • 1 like

    Comment

    • Dunkine
      #10.1
      Dunkine commented
      03-08-2018, 06:59 PM
      Thanks Z_Karma, that's what I thought. Thanks for posting the pic.

      So for around $80 he can buy 4 new bushings and throw them in the fire and then press the outer sleeve into his arms or just press the new ones in and be done. Either way is a win and gets his Z back on the street.