I replaced my strut rod bushing and what a difference! My inner tire surfaces were getting worn down pretty bad. And bryant noticed that the rubber bushings where the strut bar connects to the frame were pretty chewed up. I ordered moog polyurethane ones and we installed them. I hadn't noticed how much the front of the car was sagging but after the install it sat quite a bit higher. And I don't even know where to start with the quality of the ride now. It's totally different, no more bouncing around, no swaying back and forth and way more responsive.
I did mine a couple of years ago. and you are right. it's makes a good bit of difference. It was a B****getting those nuts off the ends though. No air comp. no impact wrench. I ended up with a pipe wrench and a long pipe to break them loose. lots of PB Blaster too.
It was probably a 30 minutes job because bryant jacked up the suspension which made access with an air tool possible and it came off super easy.
Probably did the same as I did yesterday with mine. Install with the nut at the back. Its easier to adjust the rod longer on the align. Did mine yesterday Mo. What a difference. Did you align it yet? Curious what specs you used. Heres link to mine. http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=72116 Heres the Moog kit I used. Says improved design? Definitely different than factory. https://www.mycarquesthomepage.com/acl/?mfgName=CARQUEST/MOOG&partNumber=K8157
I haven't had it aligned yet. Just got 2 new tires $185 for the front on my lunch break today. The nut is all the way to the back on both sides. Gonna get it aligned on Monday.
HAd a good look at my old busing on the bench today. They have a 1970 Ford part number on them. That coupled with the one piece crimped parts I would have to say they were original. Did pretty good for 40 years. Only 80000 miles though.
I plan on replacing some suspension components. I think my bushing are original. I have bought new ones. I am debating whether to try an install "diy" them along w/ sway bushings. I want to paint those metal parts. I also have upper and lower balljoints. I am going to have them installed along w/ idler arm, control arm shaft and bushings. I believe the balljoints are orig. cuz they are the riveted kind; I don't think I want to struggle w/ them. If I do strut rods should I measure approx length where it enters crossmember to get close to present setting until I get alignment?
the lower joint comes with the...lower control arm. MOOG-K8123 Front Lower Control Arm and Ball Joint Made By MOOG if your joints and bushings are worn out....the frontend is already...out of alignment... ......
once the coil spring is removed...everything else just unbolts...:Handshake just take pics. and if there is a question on how something goes back together...look at the pic... ...check...spring perches...insulators...A arm bushings/shaft... ...:Handshake...
Thnks for the info. I have all of the Moog parts including the lower control arms. Actually, the front end is not out of alignment. I had it chk soon after buying the car and also got reciept from seller who had it align B4 the sale. I was workin under the car and discovered it had the orig joints and the lower joint boots gone and some cracks in strut and sway bar bushings. I had already had new Moog springs, perches and seats installed. I shud have had it all done at once. Im not comfortable driving the 40 yr old stuff - so off it will have to come - no matter who installs them. The car still drives and handles well for a 40 yr old car - not like a late model w/ precise R&P steering. The car is suppose to be an 72,000 mile car. I beleive that is probably close to being accurate cuz all the interior is in very gud condx; the only thing that really needed replacing was carpet, dash pad, rr deck covering and front seat covers.
