Trade Packs

Nolathane trade packs supply commonly used suspension parts in bulk quantities for workshops, fleet operators and resellers. Instead of ordering the same bush kit again and again, a trade pack puts multiple sets on the shelf, ready for the next job. That means fewer orders, less waiting for deliveries and more vehicles finished the same day.

Trade packs focus on the parts that wear most often on the vehicles workshops see every week, particularly leaf spring bushes and other high-turnover positions on 4WDs, pick-ups and light commercial vehicles.

What Trade Packs Are

A trade pack is a bulk quantity of a frequently used suspension part, packed for workshop use. The parts are the same as those sold individually, just supplied in larger quantities so workshops can keep stock on hand.

Trade packs suit parts that:

• Are fitted to many popular vehicles
• Wear out regularly and need replacing during routine servicing
• Are often needed at short notice
• Are used in multiples on each vehicle, such as leaf spring eye and shackle bushes

Each listing shows the parts included and the vehicles or dimensions they suit.

Why Workshops Use Trade Packs

• Faster turnaround: parts are on the shelf, so jobs don?t wait for deliveries
• Fewer orders: one bulk purchase replaces many small orders
• Consistent parts: every vehicle gets the same proven bush in the same position
• Better planning: stock levels can be matched to the vehicles a workshop services most
• Happier customers: vehicles are returned sooner, with fewer follow-up visits

For workshops servicing fleets of pick-ups, vans or 4WDs, trade packs make routine suspension servicing faster and more predictable.

Parts That Suit Trade Packs

The most useful parts to keep in bulk are those that wear quickly and appear across many vehicles:

• Leaf spring eye and shackle bushes for popular pick-ups and 4WDs
• Sway bar mount bushes in common diameters
• Shock absorber bushes
• Sway bar link bushes and washers
• Bushing grease for fitting and servicing polyurethane bushes

Leaf spring bushes are a particular focus because work pick-ups and fleet vehicles carry heavy loads, tow and spend time on rough roads, which wears factory rubber quickly. Having enough bushes on hand to do both sides of the vehicle in one visit avoids leaving a customer with a half-finished job.

Common Jobs That Use Trade Pack Parts

Trade pack parts are used every day in routine workshop jobs, including:

• Rear leaf spring services on work pick-ups and 4WDs, where all eye and shackle bushes are replaced together
• Pre-trip inspections for touring vehicles, where worn bushes are found and replaced on the spot
• Fleet servicing at regular intervals, where the same vehicle type comes through the workshop repeatedly
• Squeak and clunk repairs, where a worn sway bar or shock bush is the cause
• Vehicle inspection repairs, where suspension play must be fixed before a vehicle can pass

In each case, having the parts on the shelf means the job can be completed in one visit. That avoids rebooking the vehicle, reduces downtime for the customer and frees up workshop space. For fleet operators, it also keeps vehicles earning instead of waiting for parts.

Polyurethane for High-Turnover Positions

Trade packs use the same polyurethane bushings as individual kits. Nolathane has been making polyurethane suspension bushings since 1974, originally developed to replace brass bushes in hillclimb competition. The signature red bushings are made in a range of durometers (hardness grades) for each position, and offer outstanding abrasion resistance, high load-bearing capability, increased tensile strength and resistance to oil, grease, ozone and weathering.

For workshops, that durability means fewer comebacks. A polyurethane bush that lasts longer than the factory rubber it replaces keeps the customer?s vehicle on the road and the workshop?s reputation strong.

Storing Polyurethane Parts

Polyurethane is durable, but correct storage keeps stock in the best condition:

• Store parts in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep parts in their original packaging until needed
• Keep them away from solvents, fuels and harsh chemicals
• Avoid storing heavy items on top of bushes, which can distort them
• Rotate stock so older parts are used first

Store bushing grease with the lid sealed so it stays clean and free of grit.

Fitting Best Practice for Workshops

Consistent fitting gives consistent results and fewer warranty claims:

1. Clean housings and sleeves thoroughly before fitting new bushes.
2. Lubricate polyurethane bushes with a grease suitable for polyurethane.
3. Replace bushes in pairs across the axle so both sides behave the same.
4. Tighten pivot bolts to specification with the vehicle at ride height.
5. Replace worn pins, shackles and U-bolts at the same time where needed.
6. Check torque again at the next service.

Tightening pivots with the suspension hanging at full droop pre-loads the bushes and is one of the most common causes of early wear and noise.

Planning Stock Levels

The right stock level depends on the vehicles a workshop sees most often. Review recent jobs to identify the most common vehicles and suspension positions, then match trade pack quantities to that demand. Starting with the highest-turnover leaf spring and sway bar bushes covers a large share of routine suspension work. As the workshop?s vehicle mix changes, review and adjust stock so the shelves always match demand.

Who Trade Packs Suit

• Independent workshops and suspension specialists
• Fleet maintenance teams servicing pick-ups, vans and 4WDs
• Mobile mechanics who need common parts in the vehicle
• Resellers stocking popular suspension parts
• Mining, agricultural and commercial operators maintaining their own vehicles

Shop Trade Packs

Workshops can stock up with bulk leaf spring bushes, bulk alignment shims and bulk camber bolt packs. Nolathane sells single items through the universal parts range.

Choose the trade packs that match your most common jobs, then order online with fast shipping or through a Nolathane reseller. Our fitment guarantee means the parts you order are confirmed to suit the vehicles listed, 60-day returns give you time if a product isn?t right, and our local support team can help you plan stock for the vehicles your workshop services most.