Control arm problem

Calabrio

Calabrio

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I just set up to replace my upper control arms when I found another problem. Unfortunately, I'm not certain what the part is:

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It looks like the bushings are shot, allowing the suspension to travel forward and back. Can anyone identify the part I need and what's involved in replacing it. It looks like I can unthread a bolt, remove the steering, reinstall the bushings, and put it back together, but I'm not sure. I didn't expect to run into this tonight.

It looks like a roll bar that runs through the lower control arm.

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I thought it was called a radius arm, but not sure. The bushing in mine is bad. I don't know what to call it!
 
Do I need to get the STRUT ROD BUSHING KIT? And can that be done without a press?

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And I guess they would not be built into a set of new lower control arms?
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That part is called either strut rod bushing, or radius arm bushing. I am not sure if that kit you show is correct. The last I knew (within the past year) they do not make a poly kit for the strut rod/radius arm bushings. Call Max @ 5 Star Ford (1-800-866-1520 ext. 236) and order the factory strut rod bushing. OR, get the whole kit that includes the entire front end bushing kit in poly (with the exception of the strut rod/radius arm bushings) from SuperCoupe Performance.com. The original place (MN12 Performance) is no longer in business and you will hafta email the ppl at SuperCoupe Performance for the appropriate parts needed. Since you will hafta rip a good majority of the suspension apart to get the bushings that you need to replace, replaced, might as well spend the extra cash to do the whole front end.
 
I called my local Lincoln dealership at talked to their parts department. They would have to order it for $78.99 each and wanted me to drive 75 miles round trip to pay for it first before it was ordered. I think I'll go with the kit!
 
Will the TRW bushing kit suffice?
I can get that part locally and possibly even have the car back together by the weekend.

So, I basically, remove that bolt on the end, disconnect the LCA, pull it out. Slide the bushings off and replace them, put it back together?

And thank goodness for "lifetime alignment."
 
Calabrio said:
Will the TRW bushing kit suffice?
I can get that part locally and possibly even have the car back together by the weekend.

So, I basically, remove that bolt on the end, disconnect the LCA, pull it out. Slide the bushings off and replace them, put it back together?

And thank goodness for "lifetime alignment."
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You won't be able to just "pull it out". The arm needs to be pulled back a bit.
What I did was:
Disconnect the sway bar end link.
Disconnect the tie rod.
Take out the lower strut bolt.
Take the nut behind the LCA off the end of the strut rod.
Loosen the inner nut on the frame side all the way.
Get under the car, and push back on the LCA with my feet, while holding on to the car til the rod came out. I read somewhere about people using ratcheting tie down straps for this, but I didn't have any.
The bushings slid off easy, but the metal sleeve was rusted on, and I had to use a dremel.
You might have it easier if you also have the UCA off at the same time, it might make it easier to pry back on the arm, not sure though.
I used the TRW bushings, they seem ok.
I did this job in my driveway, instead of at work in the shop which probably would have been easier.
 
I hear an alignment is a good idea, I haven't had mine aligned (yet).
 
Well, I have the luxury of working on the passenger side right now. The upper control arm was a pleasure to replace. I did it during lunch. I need to pick up the control arm bushing link tonight. Maybe I'll be able to put it together tonight, in the dark. And schedule an alignment right before the goofy staff at Firestone closes for the night.

Those guys regret selling me a lifetime alignment/lifetime balance.
 
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