246 Dino Rear Suspension Rebuild Question

I am in the process of total restoration of 1972 246 GT. Rear suspension bushings, inner and outer, have been replaced.

The outer bushings comprise a number of pieces, including "O"-rings and washers. There is a washer-spacer (item number 6 on Tav 34) with indexing hole that sits between the steel shaft and the steel bushing housing. One side of this spacer is gray. Does anyone know whether this is a teflon coated spacer, and therefore must be replaced in a certain orientation, or may the spacer be inserted without regard to which side is out?

Someone mentioned to me that they thought that there was a specified orientation. The parts book does not suggest anything but symmetry. I cannot remember whether teflon was available in 1971?

Your help is appreciated.

Jim S.

Sure looks just like a 308 rear setup except for the top mounts, there is a pin that goes though the hole in the washer to hold it in place, the coating faces out away from where the pin mounts

Bob - thanks for the reply. From a load perspective what is the difference between the inner and outer surface? The spacer does not rotate, hence there is symmetric movement on items #5 and #9. Does the 3x8 manual discuss the orientation of the spacer? The Dino manual does not.

Jim S.

If this is almost the same as a 308, 8 should be coated on the inside, 5 inserts into 8 and will be flush with the coated washer 6, the coated surface will mate against 3.Item 9 is pressed into the a-arm and does not move. As for the orientation of the washer, nothing is said about that, I put them all facing out just to make sure the pin was in place

Thanks Bob,

I just spoke with Bill at GT Car Parts in Arizona (who by the way has been very helpful) and he clarified the orientation for me. These spacer-washers (#6) are thrust washers. As they do not spin (held by the pin), the moving surface is outward against the "top hat" or flanged axle that slides in the bushing.

I will check that the teflon surface is properly oriented. Thanks for your help.

Jim S.

I am in the middle of a 308 QV suspension refresh- and want to make sure I am putting these coated washers back correctly. On my car, they were not all oriented the same way when they came off.

I'm assuming the teflon coating goes towards the
hub (away from the pin)- since this is where the rotational movement will be. If mounted towards the pin (or a-arm) there is no movement rotationaly so no need for the coating.

Is this correct?

I've highlighted the coated washer so others can see what we are talking about.

Additionally- this rear outer bushing sure seem like a good place for developing creaks and moans in the suspension if they are not maintained and lubricated periodically. Mine were caked in old grease and grime- but cleaned up fine. Then, I just lubed them up with some high-temp moly bearing grease. Is this o.k. to use?

the bottom photo shows both sides- which are mirror imager of each other.

Thanks-

jwise

Just wanted to add to this discussion CAREFUL inspection and reuse of end LOCKING hex nuts is important...someone put standard ones on mine during shock change.

The later grinding noise was the cross bolt hitting the inside of the wheel, on it's way OUT!

John, you are correct in the placement of the coated washers

Thanks Bob-

jwise