914Rubber Rear Trailing Arm Bushings, did I get the wrong ones? Options

[bbrock]

@Mikey914

I bought a set of the rubber rear trailing arm bushings in the 914Rubber GB when they first came out (can't remember when that was). I am just now getting around to installing them and ran into a problem. I did a test fit to see how hard they would be to install and was shocked to find I could easily slide them into the trailing arms by hand AND could slide the pivot shaft in by hand. In fact, I'm not seeing much difference from the polygraphite bushings they are meant to replace. If anything, these fit even looser. I'm wondering I was sent the wrong ones. My understanding is the rubber bushings should be a tight fit and require a press or similar to install as seen in Ian's video. Is there a good way to know what I have? These are stamped "WDG" on the flange side which is different from the stamping on the first set of bushings I bought.

[Montreal914]

I believe we have a very similar setup. My trailing arms were rebuilt by Bruce Stone after powder painting. The bushings are from 914Rubber (I think from the group buy) and the shafts are re-plated by Bruce.

Here is some data showing the ranges measured at various angles around (~4-5) using a Mitutoyo 12" digital caliper:

Stock shaft as mentioned by Bruce earlier have a small step down close to each end.

Shaft 1, first end step: 1.0980 to 1.1000
Shaft 1, first end: 1.1015 to 1.1020 (27.978 to 27.991mm)
Shaft 1, second end step: 1.0990 to 1.1000
Shaft 1, second end: 1.1020 to 1.1035 (27.991 to 28.029mm)

Shaft 2, first end step: 1.0965 to 1.0985
Shaft 2, first end: 1.1020 to 1.1050 (27.991 to 28.067mm)
Shaft 2, second end step: 1.0995 to 1.0990
Shaft 2, second end: 1.1030 to 1.1050 (28.016 to 28.067mm)

Trailing arms dimensions vary more on the inside bushing since the weld is right there and has deformed the tube. Again ranges from a few measurement around.

Right side inner: 1.4930 to 1.5070
Right Side outer: 1.5060 to 1.5090

Left side inner: 1.4850 to 1.5100
Left Side outer: 1.5005 to 1.5025

I haven't tried to fit the bushings yet...