Suspension upper axle bushings wont go in

Stopman33 · Mar 4, 2025

Currently installing new upper axle bushings. I ordered the tool from MMS as it seemed like a good idea. I pressed the old ones out without issue, they came out perfectly. Going to press the new ones (also ordered from MMS) in and so far I have stripped the threads completely off of four separate bolts trying to drive them in. I need the passenger one to go about 1/16" more and the driver one about 1/8" more. I have tried heating the axle housing with no luck, hammering on the bushing isn't working and the tool is pissing me off, any suggestions?

AeroCoupe · Mar 4, 2025

Did you call MM and ask them?

Warhorse Racing · Mar 4, 2025

Did you clean the holes really well before installing the new bushings?

AeroCoupe · Mar 4, 2025

This. I used a brake hone and some WD40 to remove the flash rust. I know its late in the game but you may end up having to remove them existing ones and get new ones (you can get Moog units at the parts stores) and try again. Call MM and get their opinion as I cannot imagine you are the first to encounter this.

Stopman33 · Mar 4, 2025

AeroCoupe said:
Did you call MM and ask them?

I have not, I did actually just get the right upper axle bushing in a tad more just by hitting it with a block of wood and a large dead blow and now the right upper control arm is in!

Stopman33 · Mar 4, 2025

AeroCoupe said:
Did you call MM and ask them?

I have not, I did actually just get the right upper axle bushing in a tad more just by hitting it with a block of wood and a large dead blow and now the right upper control is in!

Stopman33 · Mar 4, 2025

Warhorse Racing said:
Did you clean the holes really well before installing the new bushings?

Sanded with sand paper and I coated the bushings in oil, the drivers side one went in half way no problem, once I went to add the spacer in the kit it just stopped.

Stopman33 · Mar 4, 2025

The right side (passenger) is now in with the control arm. I need to remove the tool from the left side which currently the bolt and nut are stripped, I’ll do it later once I get home. The left upper axle bushing needs to be driven in not much farther, I think the block of wood and dead blow will do it. If it doesn’t, I’ll pull the bushing back out. This is the last thing I need to do before I can finish up the rear haha.

Noobz347 · Mar 4, 2025

Stopman33 said:
I coated the bushings in oil

What kind of oil?

Rubber/Urethane bushings and petroleum based lubricants are not a good mix.

Mustang5L5 · Mar 4, 2025

If I remember correctly you gotta slather the bushing and the bolt threads with plenty of lubricant. Last time I did this I killed a few bolts

I need to grab one of those tool. I need to do my ‘00 bushings

Stopman33 · Mar 4, 2025

Noobz347 said:
What kind of oil?

Rubber/Urethane bushings and petroleum based lubricants are not a good mix.

I used gear oil around the metal shell of the bushing.

Stopman33 · Mar 4, 2025

Mustang5L5 said:
If I remember correctly you gotta slather the bushing and the bolt threads with plenty of lubricant. Last time I did this I killed a few bolts

I need to grab one of those tool. I need to do my ‘00 bushings

I slathered the piss out of the bolts with grease and anti seize and they are still stripping. I think in my case it’s just such a tight fit that the bolts gives up. The tool worked absolutely great to remove the bushings and so/so to install them in my case.

General karthief · Mar 4, 2025

I did mine with a BFG and a block of wood, but then I've used a tree to pull out fenders so.........

Stopman33 · Mar 5, 2025

General karthief said:
I did mine with a BFG and a block of wood, but then I've used a tree to pull out fenders so.........

Once I get the bolt out of the tool that's stuck in the left side upper that's the plan, took home a big ole' hammer from work!

Stopman33 · Mar 8, 2025

Well the suspension work is about done, everything is in and torqued and I'll be taking it for a test drive tomorrow! I did notice that my front left seems to be sitting lower than front right, left measurement from floor to top of wheel well is 24 3\4" and right is 25 1/2". I don't like how far down that front left side is, it looks like its going to hit the fender if I hit a bump at a turn, turning the wheels lock to lock isn't an issue as there is clearance. I s this a spring install issue? I do know the car was in a serious accident at some point in its life so I wouldn't be surprised if the chassis was twisted.

I do really like the way it sits now!!!

limp · Mar 8, 2025

Drive it a bit to let everything settle before measuring.... Are you sure your floor is level>> I know mine isn't....

Stopman33 · Mar 8, 2025

limp said:
Drive it a bit to let everything settle before measuring.... Are you sure your floor is level>> I know mine isn't....

Yeah that's the plan tomorrow, I just don't like how close that wheel is to the fender... Also I'm fairly sure my garage floor also isn't level lol

stormsedge · Mar 9, 2025

Too late for this…but besides a good cleanup of the receiving holes…I put the bushings in the freezer overnight.

Suspension upper axle bushings wont go in

Stopman33

Active Member

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

Warhorse Racing

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

Stopman33

Active Member

Stopman33

Active Member

Stopman33

Active Member

Stopman33

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Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Stopman33

Active Member

Stopman33

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General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Stopman33

Active Member

Stopman33

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limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Stopman33

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stormsedge

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Suspension upper axle bushings wont go in

Active Member

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Active Member

Active Member

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Active Member

Active Member

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Active Member

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