Speedmaster 21 strut

[jeepme]

ill take pics tonight. This isnt a stinger. Its the speedmaster 21 strut with round bottom mounted on a Mean Machine.

[jeepme]

This is what is happening with the bushing. This isnt my speedmaster strut, I couldnt get a good pic with it mounted on the boat. Its the same style strut and bushing though.

[longballlumber]

Assuming the stuffing tube is running thru the entire length of the strut, there is nothing wrong with that picture. The strut bushing is supposed to "float".

Later,
Mike

[properchopper]

Assuming the stuffing tube is running thru the entire length of the strut, there is nothing wrong with that picture. The strut bushing is supposed to "float".

Later,
Mike

Exactly. The SPD strut, unlike the AQ one in the picture, requires the stuffing tube to go all the way through the strut; then the bushing fits in the total length of the stuffing tube inside the strut. It IS supposed to "float" or rotate and will slide back and forth in the drive dog-to-strut gap.

[jeepme]

well thats the problem, the stuffing tube only go's about half way through the length of the strut Now to decide if I am going to try and extend the tube or just rip it out and start over

Thanks for the help guys.

[electric]

Hmmm. Let me take a shot at it. Are you saying that the metal shaft (where it it does not flex) is to long too slide into the strut all the way? If so, there are different lengths of the solid part of the shaft available for different struts/stingers. Sorry if I just pushed you over the edge of the cliff and just missed the point of your problem...

[jeepme]

No the shaft can slide in quite far. Its the bushing that slides out of the strut. I didnt realize when building that the stuffing tube needed to run the entire length of the strut.

[properchopper]

I can't think of any reason why you can't just add a piece of tubing the same size as your stuffing tube to extend it to the back of the strut. I've done this before with no ill effects.

[jeepme]

Properchopper

I ll give that a try. It sure would be easier than replacing the stuffing tube!!

Thanks again for your help!!

[longballlumber]

I can't think of any reason why you can't just add a piece of tubing the same size as your stuffing tube to extend it to the back of the strut. I've done this before with no ill effects.

Bingo! You beat me to it Tony!

[785boats]

I always use a separate sleeve in struts or stingers for the Speedmaster bushes. By only taking the stuffing tube into the strut 1/4" or so the strut angle is easier to adjust.
Here's a pic of how I press the sleeve into the Strut. A smear of oil over the sleeve helps if it is a bit tight.

[properchopper]

I always use a separate sleeve in struts or stingers for the Speedmaster bushes. By only taking the stuffing tube into the strut 1/4" or so the strut angle is easier to adjust.
Here's a pic of how I press the sleeve into the Strut. A smear of oil over the sleeve helps if it is a bit tight.

I'm with you on that; recently did a build just like that for more adjustability. Another way I've dealt with the situation is to ditch the sleeve bushing entirely and press in lead teflon bushings - less drag (in theory at least)

[jeepme]

I always use a separate sleeve in struts or stingers for the Speedmaster bushes. By only taking the stuffing tube into the strut 1/4" or so the strut angle is easier to adjust.
Here's a pic of how I press the sleeve into the Strut. A smear of oil over the sleeve helps if it is a bit tight.

This is exactly what I ended up doing to leave room for adjustablitiy. Worked perfectly!!