Fitting SH Drop links on a 280i

[benebob]

Trying to fit a set of arb drop links on my 280i and I can't get it onto the roll bar. Sanded away all the paint plus quite a bit more and they still won't go on. Even using a 2x4 and BFH the won't go more than 1/8th of an inch. Any ideas. I suppose heating it would ruin it right?

Thanks. 3 hours into it already

[Toltec]

Warning, this post contains crudity...


I had to polish the ends of the arb down a little too, I wrapped some medium grit emery cloth around the ends, clamped it with Mole grips then spun the grips around the shaft. Checked the fit frequently and after a few repeats the rose joint slid on nicely.

Edited by Toltec on Saturday 7th November 21:46

[benebob]

A few? I've been using an 80 grit belt sanding belt and am only about 1/2 way to being "on"

[Wedg1e]

Is it a late 280? I know some of the bigger-engined models had a thicker ARB, maybe some of the 280s got them too...

[leorest]

Just keep sanding... or get the angle grinder out. You want it to be a tight fit but not so tight you need hammer to persuade it on.

[benebob]

Its a June 84 build date if I remember right. Both sides are on. Used 6 80 grit belt sander belts but they're on. Don't notice a bit of difference though yet even though the bushings on the other look well beyond their useful life.

[combine]

Try a file , have fitted two sets to different wedges and they went on finally , and they make a huge difference to front end handling !

[Toltec]

benebob said:

Don't notice a bit of difference though yet

What state are the rest of the front end bushes in? I noticed a difference, the front end was a little more reactive to steering input, but the rest of the car was already polybushed and this was on track.

[benebob]

Well after another drive I can definately notice the improvement. I guess it took the first drive to get seated. Still have some adjusting to do as the car seems to want to pull slightly to one side now but well worth killing all those sanding belts!