UCA / LCA Bushings, Replace all with Poly?

[94-302-vert]

Last week I ordered a complete bushing Kit, KYB shcoks/struts, and FMS C-springs. the last of the packages should be waiting for me when I get home today so i am going to start with changing the bushings in the control arms.

Now I have heard from more than one source that I should not change the upper control arm bushings on the axle to the polyurethane. They are saying the suspension will bind up in corners then just break the tires loose without warning if it goes. That sounds bad to me.

So what is the concensus: Do I change all of them for the poly or replace the UCA bushings on the axle housing with new rubber pieces from ford?

Also any tips on changing out these bushings? Total I will be changing bushings in the rear control arms, front control arms, trans mount, front sway bar, isolators, and steering rack.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[94-302-vert]

C'mon, someoen has to have an opinion.

Who has swapped all to Poly and how does it handle?

Thanks, hoping to start these tonight.

Chris

 

[mikeflys1]

On my old LX i changed all to poly except the UCA to axle mount cause i heard the same thing about it binding up. Unfortunately the car has no engine so it hasnt been run since then.

 

[94-302-vert]

Anyone know what I have to torque the control arm bolts to after the install? Or is it just a tighten the bolt kind of thing?

Chris

 

[wytstang]

"I think" it's the LCA that has the binding issue that's why most recomend the spherical bushings for the LCA and poly for the UCA. Any who look at the ford racing UCA according to MM they say that's the best one. If it has just rubber bushing go that route but if they have poly then do that.

 

[SilverFoxbody]

The answer:
The lowers need to be poly. It is the uppers that have all the issues. Do a search on Corral.net for BIND STUDY....MM did a study on different bushing combinations

ALOT of mustang owner replace thier CA bushing with poly
1) better hadling
2) better feel
3) more control

But some experince
1) ripped torque boxes
2) eratic turn behavior

So if you did the swap, you would'nt be the only one.

My personal advice
keep the uppers all rubber, or at least rubber in the axel housing.

I am instaling a panhard on my LSC with all poly w exception of the axle housing. The panhard induces bind, so I MUST be able to absorbe it somwhere.

If you have more questions I can help. i have done ALOT of research on fox body suspension.

 

[94-302-vert]

Yeah I have a question / problem.

I got one of the uppers out. the bushing aere shot but a guy at work gave me the uppers out of his car (poly bushing and tubular), the rubber on the axle is also SHOT. so i togt out about 99% of the old bushing (seems glued at the edges) now I am having a fit trying to get the new poly one in.. ANy thoughts?

Chris

 

[94-302-vert]

Nevermind.

I jsut removed the poly bushing and burned out (Mapp gas torch) the remaining rubber bushing. Just had to scrape it a bit too. Then with it still nice and warm the poly biushing pushed in by hand. Granted it still took a lot of fource but I was able to push it in my hand.

Thanks guys. This mustang noob is learning...

Chris

 

[5LugFoxFanatic]

You should "box" your control arms too while they are out of the car.

 

[SilverFoxbody]

good job...It is trial and error - you will learn

tell us how it rides after you are done....it should feel like a whole new car.

 

[G_94_T]

There is a "soft" poly bushing available from most parts stores(and mustang companys) for the axle end on the upper........i put them in mine and a few months ago and so far no problems....along with D&D's control arm kit.....torque bolts to 80ft/lbs on the uppers,100ft/lbs on the lowers

 

[Killercanary]

What you heard is true, poly will cause binding if used in the UCA's. I highly suggest you read this for a lot of great information on mustang suspension...

http://www.miracerros.com/mustang/t_suspension.htm

 

[94-302-vert]

So far I have about 800 miles on it and I can't say I have felt any pind at all. It feels 1000 times better than before but I am not a real corner carver either.

Chris

 

[5LugFoxFanatic]

True it does feel 100 times better…and bumpier that’s for sure. But watch out with the poly bushings. I did all of the rear except the diff ones. I was on the autocross course and they grip and grip and grip and grip, and then, they let go without warning and kill you. I spun out twice. Nothing too serious. Because it was on the track, but be careful on the street. Basically you just have to learn the limitations of what point the bushings will stop helping grip and let your rear loose.