Strut Rod Bushings

[cougar_68]

Hey,
This is a dumb question, I know. How do I get the strut rod Bushings off of the strut rod..."support thingy"? I have the whole suspension off, strut rod and all, I took it off all at once, but I can't seem to get the strut rod bushings off the car. Thanks!

 

[Fredo]

Just twist and pull and if that doesnt work, cut them off.

 

[Snail50]

you mean the little T-bar at the top of the strut which bolts down at each end? I don't think it comes out. you should be able to maneuver one side of the T so that it slips down inside the shock tower. It's tight, but if you reach up from underneath and twist and pull the strut every which way, you should find an angle where the T will fit through the hole.

I hope were talking about the same thing....

 

[cougar_68]

I don't think we are talking about the same thing. The bushings are "sadwiched" between two "washer" looking things. There is, what looks to be, a cylinder of stamped metal that holds the two "washers" together. I think I need to reuse the "washers" and the metal thing.

 

[Snail50]

oops. ignore me. I'll just be over here in the corner shutting the hell up.

 

[cougar_68]

lol, thanks for trying.

 

[Ronstang]

If you need to reuse the washers and tube then you really should consider getting a better set of bushings. If you have polyurethane bushings then consider not using them as they are too stiff and can snap the strut rod in half. The best bushings I have seen to date are the new improved ones made by Moog. I just installed a set on Sunday in a car I was doing a Granada swap in and thy are great pieces. It comes in a kit with washers and everything for both sides at O'Reilleys for about $30.

 

[pabear89]

Hey,
This is a dumb question, I know. How do I get the strut rod Bushings off of the strut rod..."support thingy"? I have the whole suspension off, strut rod and all, I took it off all at once, but I can't seem to get the strut rod bushings off the car. Thanks!

The rubber bushings have a sleeve tube that is in the bushings.
Over time it sometimes will seize onto the strut rod.
a good amount of wiggling and prying will seperate the rubber from the sleeve.
If the sleeve is rusted to the rod, clamp it in a vice and twist the rod or cut the sleeve and replace it.

PB

 

[cougar_68]

I have the strut rod completely removed. The sleeve is just stuck to the washers which are sandwiching the bushings. So you guys are saying the sleeves and washers probably aren't really salvageable? If I don't get the moog bushings mentioned, is there anywhere I can pick up the sleeves and washers? Does anyone have a link for the moog bushings. I'm going to look here in a second. Thanks!!!!

 

[pabear89]

Take 2 pair of Slip joint pliers and turn the bushings to break them free.
tune one clockwise and the other counterclockwiseto remove them from the sleeve.

Smack the washers with a BFH and they will pop off.

PB

 

[cougar_68]

Thanks!!

I'm having a heck of a time trying to find this O'Reilleys.

 

[Ronstang]

Sorry cougar, I didn't even think that you might not have O'Reilleys Auto Parts stores in your area. The best thing I can suggest is to contact as many auto parts in your area until you find someone that carries Moog suspension parts and get them there. I don't have the part # since I can't find the box (just went digging through the trash) but I'm sure you won't have any problem finding it as soon as you find a store that cariies Moog. BTW, Moog makes the highest quality suspension parts I have ever seen.

 

[68RCodeConv]

You'll have to grind the ends of the cylinder off..

You must have the factory original bushings. On my 73 the inner metal tube you describe was "swedged" on both ends. This kept the bushings from falling off on the assembly line before the strut rod was put on. You will have to grind off the end of the metal tube. This is not as bad as it sounds as it is not very thick.

The new bushing kit should come with all the parts you need. I also recommend Moog parts.

 

[cougar_68]

yeah, I would almost garauntee they are original. I guess the new ones I got in the kit came with the sleeves. I ordered the moog bushings from CARQUEST (local chain). I guess they carry moog also. Thanks for the help guys, I might try to grind those bad boys off tonight. Thanks again!!

 

[cougar_68]

Ok, finally got my moog bushings...

First question:
They did not com with a tube. Are they supposed to come with a tube?

Second question:
One of the washers has a smaller hole. I left the nut, closest to the control arm, on the strut rod in it's original location for a "guidline". If I do this then the washer with the smaller hole ends up needing to be on the portion of thread that is large. Hence, it does not fit on that thread.

I know it needs to go on that thread because the Larger nut at end of the strut rod has to be screwed on after the washer is placed on. This makes no sense to me. Why do two of the washers have smaller holes??? Did I get the wrong stuff?

 

[Tubo(2-bo)]

Poly Bushings

Not to disregard anther stanger, I've had poly bushings on the strut rods of my 65 2+2's for over 17 years. not just no problems, I really like the way they have helped the steering & handling of my cars. Moog makes a good product, but Poly's aint bad. I suppose you could snap a strut rod, early Stangin since 82 & never heard of any real person doing so. It would have to be while doing something truely outrageous.

 

[cougar_68]

do you remember if your car has two threads (large thread and a smaller thread with a hole for a cotter pin?

 

[cougar_68]

ok, I got the moog bushings. Did you put the bushings directly on the strut rod or did they go on a sleeve?

Thanks!!