So I'm trying to restore my 89 w250 and of course I'm playing hell trying to find parts but I'm getting them little by little. But I can not find the tailgate hinge bushings I've called the dealership discontinued if anyone could help me out with then it would be great thanks in advance!!!

 

My tailgate has none. You're petty much SOL finding them. I tried the dealership as well and even talked a well known guy here who parts out 1st gen trucks all day long and he's never seen any. I pulled some from my dad's 3rd gen to see if they'd fit but, no dice. I've yet to try some from a 2nd gen. Hopefully, I can soon.

 

I've heard of these referenced here on the board...but never even knew they existed before then. Never seen any, or even know what they look like. I've always just slathered the area with grease and installed.

 

Thanks for some insight.. I'll have to pull the ones out of my 2nd gen and see if they look close. I called a place in California he is lookin for me maybe he will have some luck thanks guys!!!

 

Anybody have a picture of what they look like?

If I know what they look like I can keep it in the back of my head when I scrounging around junkyards and swap meets...maybe I'll spot something that could work with just minor modification.

 

what are they made of? could you have some made of bronze or brass?we use bushings at work that are made of uhmw which is a very dense plastic, dimensions id , od , width? would be helpfull

 

They are plastic or nylon or something I have the parts break down from the dealership by me hopefully this link works never used it before..

http://m1073.photobucket.com/albumvi...l?o=0&newest=1

 

have you checked geno's garage, dont know if they can help, but hey, its worth a shot.

 

nevermind, I just looked and they dont appear to have them.sorry

 

Thanks for the pic...but it's really small. I think it's ite, #10 that looks like a long Omega symbol (The Greek letter Omega)?

 

That is part of the tail gate and welded on right.
It will come on the new gate if you get the repo.

 

mine never had any kind of bushing that was replaceable.

 

Sorry took pic with my iPod I'll see if I can make it bigger. Maybe I don't know maybe mine doesn't need bushings just figured I did cuz of parts break down.. I'll have to try and fit the tailgate and yes 10 and 4 are the bushings in the picture.. Thanks for all the replys hope I can make some progress

 

Your best bet would to buy a piece of teflon and find a lathe. Teflon is similar to nylon, but its also a lubricant. I bet it would last a long time!

 

Good idea, Randy!! Teflon never crossed my mind and I don't know why. I'd like to put that idea to work!! I'll consider taking some measurements and make up some drawings. Thanks!