STRUT ROD BUSHING ?'s ASAP

[19stang66]

Alrighty, I ran into a problem I think. I ordered a kit (REAL BIG KIT from americanpony.com) with everything in it for rebuilding the suspension. I got to replacing the strut rod bushings and the new ones ( midolyne bushings) are way small compared to the old ones. The new ones also did not come with the metal sleeves like with the old ones but it looks like the new bushings don't need them. The new ones also came with the outer adjusting nut too small for the thread on the strut rod. I am confused
1) Why would the new kit's bushings be smaller??
2) Why would the new kit not include metal sleeves?? Do the midolyne bushings not need them??
3) Why is the nut too small??

Click on link and scroll to bottom for pics. I guess I cant attach them to this because they are too big (640x480, 165kb)???

STRUT ROD BUSHING PICS

The package the bushing kit came in says its for 65/66 mustangs. I need help ASAP so any knowledge is great. THANKS!

 

[krash kendall]

My new Moog set doesn't have the metal sleeves either. However, they also don't interlock like the old ones because they are an improved design, making any comparison irrelevant anyway.

Do the new ones fit snugly on the rods, suggesting that the sleeve isn't required? The nut size is a mystery. my kit didn't even come with them so I used the old ones.

 

[19stang66]

Yes they fit snugly. Exactly what I was thinking. Thanks!

Also where can I get this metal ring sleeve? Do I really need it? It goes in the hole where the strut rod goes (front of the car).

 

[krash kendall]

I ripped mine out and tossed them.

 

[19stang66]

Fricken A these things are pissing me off. Ok, so I'm in the process of tightening the nuts back up with the torque wrench. Book says 60-100 ft/lbs. I have it set at 65. All the bushings are doing are squishing together and the outer washer is caving in. See pictures. Am I doing something wrong??? Im in the shop right now.

 

[19stang66]

I switched back to the old washers-they are a thicker metal-and the rubber bushings are still squished together like pancakes. Is it supposed to be that way??? Thanks

 

[krash kendall]

Those aren't '65 - '66 strut rods! Your rods shouldn't have any threads where the bushings ride. There should be a washer welded to them that the back one stops against, then you slide them into place, put on the front bushing and washer, and tighten up the nut untill it runs out of thread.

 

[krash kendall]

Those look like an aftermarket adjustable style (the '65 - '66 units aren't adjustable) similar to the '67 and up strut rods. You would have to get an alignment shop to get those put in properly.

 

[19stang66]

ahhh shoot. Well the PO did say when he redid the front suspension he used 67 parts. Can I still use these and just buy different bushings or do I need to buy new 65-66 rods.

 

[krash kendall]

Well, the problem is that they mount differently on the lower control arm between the years. One has the mount holes diagonally, the other has the holes straight. So, you will have to change the LCA if you want to go back to year correct strut rods. The '67 - '68 track is 2.1 inches wider as well, but I'm not sure if the upper and lower control arms are the same length.

 

[19stang66]

Well i have all new lower control arms. Whole new everything. So it shouldnt be a problem going back to the orignals should it??

 

[krash kendall]

No it shouldn't be a problem if you get the right strut rods.

Did the PO chang the upper control arms to '67 as well? If he did then you may have a problem. The mount hole spacing in the shock tower is wider and he would have had to butcher the holes. Of course it all depends on how complete he "re-did" the front end. He may have only changed a few parts. Your sway bar length may be 2" off now too depending on what he did or didn't change.

 

[19stang66]

Im not sure what he all replaced but I am replacing everything up front. So nothing he had on there will be on there. And he didnt butcher the upper CA holes that i can see. I have new upper/lower control arms, sway bar, stabilizer links, springs, shocks, rubber. Everything. So there should be no problem if I buy the originals. Thanks!

 

[19stang66]

Anybody need a set of 67 style strut rods??