Front Sway Bar - Need help, plastic retainers on upper mounts broken

[MustangLX-5.0]

For the record,this is on a 1992 LX 5.0 Convertible

I will describe these "retainers" in detail for those who aren't quite sure what I'm talking about.

I'm in the process of installing an Eibach suspension kit..Got the whole Pro kit.I now have the old front sway bar out but there's a problem.On the upper mounts there are 2 bolts on each side.For specifics....The bolts go through the bracket that supports the large bushing and the swaybar and then goes through the frame to nuts on the topside.There is a plastic retainer type piece up there that the nuts are fitted into.The retainer is there just to hold the nuts securely while the bolts are being tightened.Problem....the plastic pieces on both mounts broke when I removed the sway bar.I had a hell of a time using locking pliers just to hold the nuts from turning ....just so I could even get the thing removed.Getting a pair of pliers up their and not seeing exactly where the tool end is isn't easy.Clearance issues and all.

Irritates me why Ford has to use PLASTIC to hold something on the suspension in place....cripes.I have looked all around for these pieces.I work at a Ford dealership in the service department and Parts can't even get them because they state the parts are "Obsolete"....my ass.I've been to every parts store in and out of town looking for these stupid things and no one has them even listed in their parts list.Where can I get these things? Does any company make them..possibly out of metal or something? Or even make them at all?

Thanks in advance

 

[HISSIN50]

I had the same issue (the nut was spinning inside the egg crate). I just busted the plastic out around the nut so I could get a socket on the fastener.

As for getting a new one.............. I'd not have a clue. I was just posting to say you're not alone bud.

Good luck.

 

[vristang]

I can't help much either, but I do feel the pain.

I can't buy new motor mounts for my 2.3 LX. their obsololete.

I ended up going to a junk yard.
You may end up hitting the yards for this part...



Actually,
I thought I found these in an Energy suspension rebuild kit once...
Maybe it didn't have the plastic piece in it though?


good luck,
jason

 

[Shakerhood]

I think Ford used those plastic retainers as an Assembly Aid while the car was going down the line, I just put a Socket on the nuts to hold it and tightened it up from the bottom.

 

[fox racer]

Nothing new to add, agree with everyone here. The plastic only serves the purpose that a wrench and socket can serve much more easily. I actually had to cut my bolts out (Rust, thread damage etc...) I'm simply using some bolts from Home Depot with locking nuts and washers, no big deal. You could always get new energy suspension mounts and be done with it.

 

[MustangLX-5.0]

Thanks for all the replies. I would've replied sooner but I work so much and I find it difficult to get on the computer without falling asleep.Being so busy trying to get things done....it bites.

Using a ratchet sound like the best way to go.Don't know why I never thought of that before.