Strut bushings

Topic: Strut bushings (Read 428 times) previous topic - next topic

Strut bushings

February 28, 2008, 09:00:03 PM

I need a pair of the round bushings that go at the top of the struts for 87/88 T-Birds. Mine are beginning to dry-rot, and the mechanic tells me that they should be replaced so the strut will stay in place. He tried the Ford dealer and they don't stock them anymore. If anyone has a good pair or knows where I can get new ones I'd appreciate it.

Strut bushings

Reply #1 – February 28, 2008, 09:44:36 PM

The upper strut mounts on the Tbirds/Cougars are not serviceable. The entire strut mount has to be replaced.

You can buy aftermarket strut mounts from Moog or TRW that are like what was used on the Mustangs that have the cup with the replaceable bushing.

Strut bushings

Reply #2 – February 28, 2008, 10:01:39 PM

Okay, it looks like I need the AC-Delco 501-53, now I have to figure out whether ordering quantity 1 gives me just one mount or one for each side...

http://catalog.autopartsgiant.com/RenderScriptTemplate.epc?_cmd=epccat_VehicleWHD&cookieID=2B714D1VE2B714DY1T&yearid=1987%40%401987&makeid=28%40%40FORD%40%40B&modelid=5617%40%40THUNDERBIRD&engineid=5166%40%40V8%2D302ci+5%2E0L+F%2FI+Vin+F%40%405166&mode=PA&subcatid=136@@Shocks%20and%20Struts&catid=9@@Steering/Suspension&clientid=autopartsgiant

edit: I think it means only one mount, so I would have to order two. It also looks like the KYB SM5054 would also work (interesting thought since I have KYB struts, but it probably doesn't matter). I'll try to decide which is best and order a pair. Thanks.

Strut bushings

Reply #3 – February 28, 2008, 10:09:10 PM

With those style mounts, you can also replace the rubber bushing with a poly one (for a Mustang). The pic shown for the Dorman P/N shows how they look.

You will need 2. The mounts are the same from side to side.

Strut bushings

Reply #4 – February 28, 2008, 10:19:35 PM

I ordered the KYB's since my struts are also KYB's. I don't know if anyone makes poly bushings for them, but I've been pretty happy with the stock rubber ones so I'll probably just stick with what they come with (or at least try them out).

By the way, after five months in the shop, the Bird is finally back. Pics this weekend, hopefully.

Strut bushings

Reply #5 – February 28, 2008, 10:27:57 PM

All of the aftermarket "cup" type use the same bushing as the Mustangs and you can get the bushings anywhere (Summit, etc). I may even have a pair stashed in the garage.

Strut bushings

Reply #6 – February 28, 2008, 11:33:15 PM

I gotta get a set as well.Mine are original,and on the verge of being wasted.I see a whole frontend rebuild coming up soon.

Strut bushings

Reply #7 – February 29, 2008, 07:15:06 PM

I took the car to work today...and boy was I lucky. I took a look at the bushings when I got home and the passenger one was really dry-rotted, much worse than I had thought. The camber is all out and the only thing holding the strut in seems to be the fact that the rest of the bushing is wedged under the hole in the strut tower. So the car isn't going anywhere until the new mounts come in as far as I'm concerned.