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Topic: Replacing rear control arm bushings (Read 1338 times) previous topic - next topic

Replacing rear control arm bushings

Hey guys. My project for this April is to replace the 7.5 trac lok quad shock rear end with an 8.8 trac lok from an 88 XR7. I'm planning on changing the shocks, bushings and coil spring isolators while I'm at it. I don't know what, if any, problems to expect. So here goes the questions I'm sure some of you will have savvy replies for since you've certainly been helpful before.

I haven't come across any instructions on how to change bushings in the ctrl arms in either Haynes of Ford shop manuals, yet the urethane bushings appear to be available without the metal sleeve (pictures on CHE site). Any tips?

I did find instructions for replacing the bushings on the axle on the Maximum website. This showed the use of a tool to pull out and press in the metal sleeve. Do the urethane ones come with the metal sleeve, and is this truely necessary to remove sleeve at all?

Any other comments or tips on the removal and installation of axle assembly using simple bottle jacks, small dolley jack and a pair of axle stands would be appreciated. Thanks
:birdsmily:
87 Sport with HO cam, 19# injectors,TB+Upper Intake,87 Mustang EEC, Cloyes double roller timing chain, Kirban adj. fuel regulator and Autometer fuel pres. guage, HO shorty headers + LSC H-pipe and Dynomax Super Turbo lers, Ford Racing 9mm wires, K&N filter / no air resonator, 8.8 XR7 Diff., V rated tires, Project ongoing.

Replacing rear control arm bushings

Reply #1 –
My experience with control arm bushings is not good.  The oem control arms are pretty flimsy.  If your going to reuse the metel shells then burn the bushings out.  If your going to replace the whole bushing, you will end up bending the arm trying to get it out.

I installed oem Mustang LCAs in my 86 and left the uppers in place because the bushings looked pretty good.

My advice:  Make sure the bushings need to be replaced, if they do, go the route I went or go aftermarket.  Also check the bolts, when I lived on the coast I bought a rear with the control arms still attached, the bolts were almost corroded all the way through.

Replacing rear control arm bushings

Reply #2 –
Am I correct in thinking that my 87 TBird Sport suspension uses the same bushings as the 5.0 Mustang? Can I use Mustang Polyurethane Bushings? How hard is it to put in the new bushings in the old metal shells? Thx
87 Sport with HO cam, 19# injectors,TB+Upper Intake,87 Mustang EEC, Cloyes double roller timing chain, Kirban adj. fuel regulator and Autometer fuel pres. guage, HO shorty headers + LSC H-pipe and Dynomax Super Turbo lers, Ford Racing 9mm wires, K&N filter / no air resonator, 8.8 XR7 Diff., V rated tires, Project ongoing.

Replacing rear control arm bushings

Reply #3 –
Quote from: SRBird;135041
Am I correct in thinking that my 87 TBird Sport suspension uses the same bushings as the 5.0 Mustang? Can I use Mustang Polyurethane Bushings? How hard is it to put in the new bushings in the old metal shells? Thx


Yes...they are the same bushings.

As mentioned above, you have to remove the old bushings from the shells, which usually requires burning them out and cleaning up the sheels and pressing in the poly bushings....
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon
 

Replacing rear control arm bushings

Reply #4 –
Today I've looked at the existing bushings on the rear ctrl arms and they seem alright (for the little I could see). I may save myself a little work and just do the two on the replacement axle. Maybe sometime when I can afford it, I'll get the CHE arms and call that a project on its own. But should I decide to change the bushings, once I get a better look on disassembly, is it hard to press in the new ones? any tips?

Thanks for the replies Tucan and Chuck.
87 Sport with HO cam, 19# injectors,TB+Upper Intake,87 Mustang EEC, Cloyes double roller timing chain, Kirban adj. fuel regulator and Autometer fuel pres. guage, HO shorty headers + LSC H-pipe and Dynomax Super Turbo lers, Ford Racing 9mm wires, K&N filter / no air resonator, 8.8 XR7 Diff., V rated tires, Project ongoing.