[DeTomaso] 1990 GT5S SHOCKS AND A-FRAME BUSHINGS

MikeLDrew at aol.com MikeLDrew at aol.com
Sun Aug 11 19:30:39 EDT 2013


In a message dated 8/11/13 12 20 0, Colin.Bradshaw2 at BTInternet.com writes:


> Any one out there know where I can get some new replacement shock 
> absorber top and bottom bushings for 1990 euro GT5S with factory fitted Ariston 
> shocks...looking to replace the rear bushings now and know doubt the front 
> within weeks as the rebuild job progresses.
> 
> I will also want new set of A-Frame bushes, what is the preference for 
> replacements at present?
> 
> Ideally I would like to keep OE if possible because I have been happy with 
> the car for 23 years.
> 
> Comments appreciated, thanks in anticipation
> 

>>>Hi Colin,

Factory shock bushings are outrageously expensive:

http://www.panterapartsusa.com/cgi-bin/detail.cgi?prod_id=02008B

That's $43.97 EACH.   Or over $700 for a full set of 16.   And you're left 
with cheap, non-adjustable, heavy, 30-year-old shocks (because it's likely 
your shocks are L-model leftovers from 1974).   Too, the stock shock bushings 
are not very robust, and some (bottom front I believe?) will pound 
themselves to oblivion in fairly short order.

I think Jack has had success extending the service life of stock bushings 
by pressing them out, and rotating them 180 degrees.   Some will only be 
mildly distorted, and rotating them allows the forces to be applied to the other 
side.   But if some of yours are well and truly hammered, those (at least) 
should be replaced.

For not much more, you could (and arguably should) step up to some quality 
aftermarket shocks, which have numerous advantages--lighter, smaller, 
ride-height-adjustable (at least).   There are some that are to be avoided at all 
costs (Aldan), but the QA1 setup that Wilkinson sells is quite good, and you 
simply can't beat the Koni setup from Pantera East or Pantera Performance 
Center (IMHO) although they are more expensive at $1200-1300 or so.

Another viable alternative, if cost is an issue, would be to buy 
polyurethane replacements for the stock shock bushings.   These are also outrageously 
expensive (for what they are), at something like $250 for a full set, from 
Pantera Performance Center or Pantera Parts Connection.

As for the A-arm bushings, Maseratisource on E-bay has the best deal going, 
especially right now with some Monterey sales in effect.   You may be 
fortunate enough to buy a complete suspension kit (all A-arm bushings, six ball 
joints, and a pair of tie rod ends) for $200-300, which is less than a single 
ball joint may cost elsewhere.   Alternately, you might be able to make a 
deal for just the A-arm bushings if that's all you need.

Good luck!

Mike


More information about the DeTomaso mailing list