I might need to take apart my torsion bar carrier, and if I do, it would be the perfect time to do the spring plate bushings. In my case, I need to replace the spring plates themselves. Also, I would love to avoid replacing that bushing myself, it looks like a PITA.

So if someone sold a 85.5+ spring plate with a new bushing already on it, it would make my day! Is that how they come from the dealer? In PET I don't see a separate p/n for the bushing.

 

Its really not that bad if you have a few tools. My method was to set the spring plates in a vise, direct the propane torch at the inside of the part and find something else to do in the garage for the next ten minutes or so. When done right the rubber will release from the spring plate (more or less) and slide right off like a big donut.

If (and I would be relatively surprised) the are available from the dealer, the bushing will already be on there.

I would buy a used set and get those ready to install so you have the parts ready to go when you take it apart.

 

So I take it if the OEM rubber bushings are available at all, they won't be sold separately? I emailed Sunset for a price on the spring plates and asked if they come with bushings or not.

 

The rubber bushings are molded onto the two piece spring plate assembly. It all comes as a pre-made unit - the two piece spring plate w/ inner & outer bushings. It wont be cheap. Make sure you really need these replaced before going down this path. It would be unusual that these bushings would be totally destroyed.

 

I don't think the bushings are toast, just the exposed parts are cracked. Sunset got back to me today, and the spring plates come with bushings, and they are $425 each.

I'm going to reuse the old bushings. Thanks everyone!