Are aluminum shackle bushings a bad idea? Putting them on my driver but only if they are going to last a while. At first I thought they might but the more I think about it the more unsure I am. I've already fabricated 4 out of some unkown grade of aluminum round stock. Check out the pics. Any thoughts?

pic of upper mount. not all the way pressed in yet!

Before I would say a bad idea, Why do you feel you need them vs other choices?

they will increase the harshness of your ride and will they will not last that long. If this is a daily driver that will not see that much strip time I would suggest another form of bushing

(Are aluminum shackle bushings a bad idea?) On a street car, yes.

Since you have gone to the time & used your extensive skills to fabricate them (& they ARE IN) you gotta try them. Otherwise you will never know & will be basing your decision on someone elses opinion/experience & if they end up being too harsh(& I dont think they will) you can R&R them. But you will have YOUR answer & will have successfully concluded your experiment.

Bronze or brass would hold up better but still be a harder ride than rubber. On the other hand, if they are easy enough to reproduce and cheap, make a whole bunch and replace as needed