It has been pretty well established that Tokico Illuminas (adjustables) are really good shocks but the bushings they use on the fronts give these shocks (if used on a track) a life expectancy shorter than your average fruit fly. Damn expensive to replace the things every 15K or so.

I manged to pick up a set of low mileage (<15K) used Illuminas that passed every test except the shock eye bushings were already shot to hell. I figured it was worth a try to get these expensive shocks back to operating form. By replacing the shock eye bushings, I now have a great set of Tokicos for damn little $$$ and time.

You can choose either standard rubber bushings or go polyurethanes. The standard rubbers will run about $3.25 each (you need two) at NAPA. For the NAPA units just tell the counterperson that you want the Chrysler Shock Bushings that measure 3/4" ID and 1 5/8" in length. Polyurethanes (part # 9-8111) can be had from Suspension Restorations ( http://www.suspension.com/shockeye.htm ) for $4 per set plus shipping (maybe another $10).

The replacement procedure is very simple. Press out the old bushings with the center pin in place. Next press out the center pin. Clean up all the parts making sure to remove ALL the left over rubber. Next press in the new bushing you may need to lubricate it lightly making sure to lube it with the correct type of lubricant for the material (rubber or polyurethane). Finally press in the center pin using the same lubricant. You have now saved a very expensive set of shocks for a few bucks.

I am very happy with the replacement and it actually feels like a new set of shocks. While I don't know what size other shocks require, I have been told that there are fewer than 25 options worldwide and you should be able to find the right size at Suspension Restorations or NAPA.

Hope this is helpful to someone

Cheers
Jeff

 

Hokay, so i have my Energy Suspension 98111g 3/4" ID 1 5/8 length poly bushings. However, the metal insert is closer to 7/8" OD.

How am i supposed to get this to fit? Quick answer would be great!

 

Good stuff. Thanks for sharing. I had thought about that before but never researched it.

 

I got mine at Speed Unlimited, but Advance Auto can also order them. They come two to a box so you need to get two boxes. The center piece doesn't fit on mine so i had to find another that was laying around the shop and mill it to fit. I'd like some input by other members to see if this is common. Mine measured approx. 7/8" OD rather than the 3/4" mentioned here. I'll be searching for some parts interchange in case this issue comes up with someone else.

 

Digging up this relic because I need to refresh the eye bushings on a set of front Illuminas.

The center post is in fact about 7/8" and not 3/4".

Which bushings can be used?

 

^^^ anyone on this? Looking to do this soon and want to save time.

 

Tried pressing the Chrysler style bushings in to my Tokicos yesterday. Its super simple and really restored a great set of Illuminas on the cheap.

First I pressed out the center pins.

With the center pins out, the old rubber bushings were easy to pull out with a screwdriver.

The Chrysler style bushings can be put into the Illuminas with a mallet.

I lubed the hole with just a little dish soap to keep the bushing from tearing when pressing the pin. Yes, the hole in the bushing is smaller than the pin. However, when pressing the pins in (I backed up the bushing with a suitable socket), it spreads the bushing so that it ends up tight in the shock eye as well as holding the pin secure.

I went with the polyurethane bushing so hopefully it wears better than the original rubber ones.