Machining Bushing Sleeves?

Continuing on with my Datun suspension enhancements, I am adapting 300zx (Z31; first-gen) polyurethane subframe bushings for use on my 280zx. The primary modification is to turn down the outside of the bushing to fit the smaller diameter of the 280zx's subframe. My question is related to the sleeve that goes inside the bushing. The ID of the 300zx kit sleeve is 0.861". The ID of the stock sleeve is 0.836". The OD of the bolt is 0.794". I'm trying to decide if I should make a new sleeve on my lathe with a tighter ID to fit the bolt better - what do you think? If I do, is aluminum OK or should I make it out of steel? I don't know if my machine has enough gumption to cut stainless.

Here is the guide I'm following: http://www.zdriver.com/forums/280zx-brakes-wheels-suspension-chassis-81/polyurethane-subframe-bushings-maybe-19834/

Here is a pic of the subframe bolt on the 280zx (top). Note the funky shape. Any ideas why its shaped like this?

And a picture of my lathe:

Thanks!

Sure, you ought to be able to do small stainless tube on that machine.
Use a parting tool, run the correct SFM for stainless (75-130), and watch the feed rate.
Oh, and use some good cutting fluid.

Make some chips!

Carter

Someone on another forum told me that I should just use steel for the sleeve. If I used aluminum the bolt would damage the sleeve; if I used stainless the sleeve would damage the bolt. I guess that makes sense?

I see my hot-linked pic broke. Here's the full link, 2/3 down: http://www.angelfire.com/extreme/280zxt/page17.html

The sleeves i've used in the past tend to be zinc-plated steel from the big companies. (Energy Suspension, Whiteline, SuperPro) The yellow/goldish plating.

Where i've used similar sleeves in the Escort suspension (but for a different purpose) that were provided with the custom arms, they were made out of normal steel.

For whatever that's worth.

I would try and find some way to make what you have work first. Can you use the bolts with the sleeves you are taking from the z31, then do some drilling? Or maybe use some teflon tape to wrap the bolts go in the sleeves to take up some slack?

If you use AL make some spares I think they will wear out quick.

I've bought those engergy suspension kits before too and some bushing eliminated the metal sleeves.... Just another thought

These bushings are not supposed to move in relation to the bolt. The idea is that the sleeve is clamped tight and the bushing moves against the sleeve only.

What kind of lathe (mill?) is that?

Woody, its a Harbor Freight 3-in-1. I bought it used (uh, well used) a few years ago. The lathe has no power feed and there are numerous other limitations. I can't find it on their site anymore, so it must be fairly old.