QuestionQUESTION: I am told I need to replace my 'Piston Rod Bushing(s)', have had trouble finding info about them on the net. I have a 66 F-100, with a 73 302 engine & C-4 Trans; 77 F-150 power steering, column, & shifter; and 75 F-150 Front Disc brakes. What year do the bushings have to match? What do they do? What happens if I don't replace them right-away? & Can most people do this themselves? (Thanks)
ANSWER: Dennis, I am guessing that you are talking about your connecting rod bearings. You can pick them up at your local parts store for around 2 dollars a piece. They ride in between the crankshaft and the connecting rod. The connecting rod is what connects your piston to the crankshaft. Depending on what is going on with the truck will depend on if you need to replace them. I am guessing that the truck is smoking if someone is telling you to replace them. If it is, and the problem is that you have "spun" a rod bearing, then you should replace it, or them, as soon as possible. It is possible that you could do more and more damage to the crank, and other rod bearing, rods, mains, and just about everything inside the motor. Everything inside the engine is balanced, so when something is thrown off, it gets unbalanced. Plus, when you spin a rod bearing, you basically have the crankshaft running metal to metal. It could scar the crankshaft so bad that you will have to take the motor apart and have the crankshaft machined. You can do it yourself, with the engine in the truck. However, I would prefer to pull the engine because it just makes it much easier. I know for a fact that you can use rod bearings from the years 73 to 85, from any 302. In 1972 they changed the 302, but I don't think the rods changed. My question to you is, "why do you think that you have spun a rod bearing?" Is the truck knocking? If it is, start pulling spark plug wires one at a time and see if the knocking smooths out. If it does, that is the rod bearing that has gone out. If it doesn't, then I would look for another problem. It doesn't mean that it is not a rod bearing, but generally the knocking will smooth out when you pull the plug wire. I hope I have answered your questions. Keep me informed and let me know why they are saying you spun a rod bearing. Good Luck, Jason
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hope I didn't waste your time, and this info is helpful to someone else, too; but I have been corrected and it is a "Radius Rod Bushing'. Now, is that the same as a Radius Arm Bushing? If so, it looks like these would be the same from 66 - 79. Also, a mechanic told my son about this, by looking under the vehicle. (Thanks)
AnswerNo problem, Radius Arm bushings will increase the handling (or decrease if they wear out) of a vehicle. You might notice the tires wearing out a little faster. Maybe some shimmy in the front end. Fairly easy job, just replace them one at a time, rear to front, then the next side, rear to front. (that is just the way I always do it) You can pick them up at your local parts store for about 6 dollars. I hope this helps, Jason
Ps. If you have any problems, feel free to ask.
