Last fall a mechanic helped me install some cheap rubber torque rod bushings, from Groton, in my '86 245. All four are shot after less than 3K miles, so I'm trying again with similar bushings from IPD. (I realize now that I could've gone for the urethane bushings, but it's too late.) Anyhow, I took the rods and new bushings to a machine shop and explained that while I wasn't sure of the proper orientation, I guessed that the solid rubber sides should be in line with the length of the rod. Half an hour later the guy came back to the counter, having installed the bushings at 90 degrees to what I suggested. I don't want to have to pull these off the car again, so I'm trying clarify the issue.

A search of old threads has turned up contradictory and confusing information. The most authoritative source seems to be the one quoted by Dan Foster:

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Here's a quote from the factory Rear Wheel Suspension manual (I love ebay!)

(They call it a "reaction rod")

"Note! Position the bushings in the reaction rod so that the flat sides are parallel to the rod."
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My problem is that these bushings don't have flat sides anywhere on them, so I don't know how to interpret the instruction. Can anyone help?