spoolin03

Will def keep that in mind as I study the design once I get them in my hands

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

I wonder what Z1 would say if somebody asked them why they don't make these collars out of a different material?

BULL

I figure to account for bushing deformation. Anything thicker would possibly jam upon installation. The gap that the collars decrease can be significant however it will not get rid of the gap.
This same gap also eats the bushing over time, very long time. So in my opinion filling this gap is the only way to strengthen this and decrease the wear time as well as improving noise.
Other than silicone, you'd need a grease that wont cause the bushing to swell. Only thing that comes to mind is the the clear grease Energy includes with theirs.

The Pope

iTrader: (2)

I don't know what Z1 would say, but the collars need to be made from stiff enough material so that they hold their shape during instillation and to provide the desired effect/performance.
I'd presume that a hard plastic or Delrin could be used, but what would be the different manufacturing processes for other such materials and at what cost?

If I were to make a set out of something other than aluminum, I believe that I'd try Delrin first, as it's used as Bushing and bearing surfaces material already. Granted there might be an even better material.

So.... who wants to measure up the different collar components and start making a few sets out of some different material?