The Silent Heroes of Your Suspension: Why Bushings Matter
While ball joints and springs get all the attention, your suspension bushings and grommets are the unsung heroes of your chassis. These rubber cushions isolate the metal components of your suspension, absorbing road vibration and allowing for necessary flexibility during cornering and braking.
Symptoms of Failed Bushings
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Squeaking & Creaking: The most common sign of dried-out rubber.
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Clunking: Indicates the rubber has disintegrated, leaving metal hitting metal.
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Unstable Braking: Worn strut rod bushings or control arm bushings can cause the car to pull to one side or "dive" excessively when stopping.
NOS, NORS vs. Modern Reproductions Many restorers prefer our NOS (New Old Stock) and NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) bushings because they use high-quality rubber compounds manufactured in the USA. These parts are designed to last for decades, resisting oil, ozone, and road grime better than budget aftermarket options.
Comprehensive Catalog Our inventory covers every rubber component under your chassis:
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Front End: Upper and lower control arm bushings, strut rod bushings.
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Stabilizer: Sway bar frame bushings and end link grommets.
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Rear Suspension: Leaf spring shackles, eye bushings, and shock absorber grommets.
Tighten Your Cornering: NORS Sway Bar Link Kits
Is your classic car leaning excessively in turns, or do you hear a distinct "clunk" or rattle when driving over uneven bumps? The culprit is usually a broken or worn-out Sway Bar Link (also known as a Stabilizer Link). These links connect your sway bar to the suspension, and after decades, the long bolts snap or the rubber grommets disintegrate.
At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) link kits that are superior to generic hardware store bolts.
The Easiest Handling Upgrade
Replacing your sway bar links is one of the most affordable and effective ways to improve your vintage car's road manners.
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Stop the Rattles: Eliminate that annoying metal-on-metal clunk caused by missing grommets.
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Reduce Body Roll: A tight connection ensures your sway bar engages immediately when cornering, keeping your car flat and stable.
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NORS Durability: Our kits often feature heavy-duty bolts, correct-length sleeves for proper geometry, and high-quality rubber cushions that outlast cheap modern imports.
Universal & Direct Fit Options
We carry specific link kits for Ford, GM, Mopar, and AMC applications, as well as universal kits in various lengths to fit custom setups or modified suspensions.
Restore Your Rear Ride Height: Leaf Spring Shackles & Bolts
Is your classic car "sagging" in the rear or making groaning noises going over bumps? The rear shackles are the critical connection point between your leaf springs and the vehicle frame. Over decades, the rubber bushings disintegrate and the steel bolts wear down, leading to poor handling and that tired, low-riding look.
At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) shackle kits and bolts that bring your rear suspension back to life.
Why Choose Our NORS Shackle Kits?
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USA-Made Quality: We feature heavy-duty steel shackles from vintage brands like Harris, Moog, and TRW—not lightweight modern generic parts.
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Correct Geometry: Designed to match the original factory specifications, ensuring your leaf springs sit at the correct angle for proper ride height.
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Complete Solutions: Many of our listings are complete assemblies that include the shackle bars, bolts, nuts, and bushings, making installation a breeze.
Our Inventory Includes:
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Silent U-Shackles: Popular on 1930s-50s vehicles.
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Harris Bushing & Shackle Kits: The gold standard for vintage ride quality.
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Spring Eye Bolts: High-strength replacement bolts for the front and rear eyes of your leaf springs.
