Which way do the cush drives go?

On my 73 850, I am installing new cush drives while I have the rear wheel off. The previous cush drives had both flat sides contacting the driving lugs. It sure seemed like the larger cush drives should go in their slots with the concave side contacting the drive lug. Now that I am trying to install the rear wheel, it is a real struggle with the flat sides facing the drive lugs. It would probably go on reasonably easy if I turned the large cush pad around since the concave side would make more room. I am just going by the way it was done previously but not sure if that is right.

Think of the way the driving lugs "drive" the wheel.

The concave side goes toward the "driven" side. The flat side faces the "driving" side. This is how yours came out, if I understand it correctly. Yes, that's the way they should be.

They are a PITA, no question. Use a little silicone (aka "dielectric") grease on the cush drive rubbers - not only does it make installation easier but it is good for the rubber. Beyond that....again, it's a PITA! When it gets too frustrating, walk away, have a smoke or a drink, come back later.*

Good luck! You'll get there - it just may not be fun (I HATE this job!!!) - BrianK


* DO NOT be like me and smack the little b$$tards in there with a BFH!!!

I'm not necessarily recommending this, but I use a belt sander judiciously. The little buggers are just a hair too big, IMO. In 13,000 miles no problems, with the drivetrain, anyway.

I have the correct cushes on the drive and driven sides of the lugs, but my only question is which face of the larger cush comes in contact with the drive lug itself. My old larger of the cushes was in the slot with its flat side contacting the drive lug. Since the shape of the drive lug is rounded, I believe that the larger cush should be in the slot with its concave face contacting the drive lug.

The flat side goes toward the sprocket paddles, Sounds wrong but that is the way they go. They really are a pain, Chuck.