Suspension Upper control arm bolts too short?

alutwon

Member

Dec 10, 2020

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Dec 10, 2020

#1

• Dec 10, 2020

• #1

Hi all, I just installed new steeda rear upper and lower control arms in my 89. Now i might just be a bit paranoid but the upper bolts on the axle side seem to be a little short. Everything threaded through fine and its all torqued down to 90 ft/lbs but the bolts are just barely through the end of the nut, as in i can feel the tip of the bolt sticking out but theres maybe half a thread i can feel. For you guys that have done this before is that normal? I'm probably just paranoid.

 

alutwon

Member

Dec 10, 2020

43

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18

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Dec 10, 2020

#2

• Dec 10, 2020

• #2

I should also mention the rest if the bolts are fine its just the uppers on the axle side :\

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

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Dec 10, 2020

#3

• Dec 10, 2020

• #3

You typically want minimum of 2 threads to protrude. The bolts are typically made with a slightly reduced diameter a the tip to help with installation, so those first couple threads don't really hold 100%, so you'd like to be past them ideally.

Nylock nuts are slightly different. You'll want 3-5 threads past those to give the nylon insert something to hold onto if it does loosen up

 

alutwon

Member

Dec 10, 2020

43

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18

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Dec 12, 2020

#4

• Dec 12, 2020

• #4

Yea idk whats up the new arms are the same size as the old ones so i dont think anythingsl wrong, guess they are just like that. Like i said earlier i can feel a single thread poking out so it in there. I also used the maximum motor sports tool so i know the bushings are in correctly

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

43,216

17,899

224

Massachusetts

Dec 12, 2020

#5

• Dec 12, 2020

• #5

Buy new bolts from Mcmasterr- Carr or you can grab them from your local hardware store. I don’t know the sizes off the top of my head.

 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

5 Year Member

Aug 25, 2016

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polk county florida

Dec 12, 2020

#6

• Dec 12, 2020

• #6

BOLT THREAD REFERENCE!

since there has been plenty of talk... and no doing it... intake manifold 5/16-18 x 2.5 valve cover 1/4-20 x 1 Crank pulley 3/8-16 x 1 Plugging Smog Hole (thermactor plug) 5/8-11 speed sensor clamp 1/4-20 x 3/4 Tps sensor screws M4 x 0.7 pitch x 25mm length intake plaque 8-32x1/2" taper seat...

www.stangnet.com

 

Reactions: 2Blue2

alutwon

Member

Dec 10, 2020

43

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18

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Dec 13, 2020

#7

• Dec 13, 2020

• #7

Alright so apprently the stock bolts are only 80mm which ford thought was okay. I'm definitely going to upgrade to 90mm to be safe though. I figured I would post this just in case any one else has this problem. Thank you everyone for your help