Help with SFBs...

[Dr. Tweak]

Hey guys...

Well I pulled my SFB apart today here's what I found:

The recall has been done, however it looks like they didn't install the heavy-duty washer. Anyway, the bolts were tight, though I did replace them. However, when I took the bolt off the rubber piece that it goes through (this is the SFB, rigth) was all mangled, I mean real bad, and the upper part of the SFB (if i'm correct) is GONE. I mean it's not there. I didn't realize anything even went there until I saw a pic of some AL SFBs...

Could I get some pics of stock SFB or more of AL ones, on and off the vehicle, so I can get an idea of what's going on?

Also, I had my wife turn the steering wheel back and forth while I watched the SFB, and the subframe is moving around a lot. I think this is the cause of my loose steering problem. However, I don't beleive that the subframe is in danger of falling, since the bolts and nuts are in very good shape.

Thoughts?

 

[Rockledge]

There are some good pictures in these articles:

http://www.superhighoutput.com/mods_view.php?id=6

http://www.kurtmetros.com/subframe.html

 

[WakaShoMan]

JDLangevin:
Hey guys...

Well I pulled my SFB apart today here's what I found:

The recall has been done, however it looks like they didn't install the heavy-duty washer. Anyway, the bolts were tight, though I did replace them. However, when I took the bolt off the rubber piece that it goes through (this is the SFB, rigth) was all mangled, I mean real bad, and the upper part of the SFB (if i'm correct) is GONE. I mean it's not there. I didn't realize anything even went there until I saw a pic of some AL SFBs...

Could I get some pics of stock SFB or more of AL ones, on and off the vehicle, so I can get an idea of what's going on?

Also, I had my wife turn the steering wheel back and forth while I watched the SFB, and the subframe is moving around a lot. I think this is the cause of my loose steering problem. However, I don't beleive that the subframe is in danger of falling, since the bolts and nuts are in very good shape.

Thoughts?

Hi JD...

Well today I tried to change my rear SFB's (did the fronts yesterday) and no matter how hard I tried I could not get the main bolts loose! I gotta drive 400 miles tomorrow so I was not gonna risk breaking one off and having a crippled car to work on. So it is off to a shop to do that. rant

Interestingly, my 1989 STOCK OEM rear SFB's are the "4-bolt" design (single main bolt for the SFB... 4 small bolts that attach the SFB to the subframe). I wonder why some Tauri had the 4-bolt design and others did not?

 

[Dr. Tweak]

bro:

Couldn't get it off huh? Do you have a breaker bar? Mine where very hard to get off... today my wife bought me a nice socket set, and a breaker bar and a torque wrench.... wow!

It's so nice using the right tools. Anyway, that bolt wouldn't budge with a 9" rachet, so I hooked up my 18" breaker bar, and it came loose. If I were you I'd pull down my carpet and pull the rubber piece out, then spray the threads real good with some PB or something...

hail PB Blaster

 

[Dr. Tweak]

OMG...

Well thanks a lot for those pics. They confirmed my worries... the SFB on my car are totally shot, I mean totally... I'll have to take some pics when I get my digital camera next week... wow...

Mine look way worse than the ones in those pics... I will get some new ones... sounds like a good excuse to get some AL SFB

Pics to come...


*edit*
Well I just ordered new aluminum subframe bushings!!! Can't wait to get them... just wait till you see how bad my old ones are....

<small>[ November 30, 2003, 12:30 AM: Message edited by: JDLangevin ]</small>

 

[SHOZ123]

Here is a pic of all the Taurus bushings

SFBs

Am I the only one who can't post SuperFord pictures here?

 

[Dr. Tweak]

Mine looked like the one in the upper left hand corner, listed as a front bushing... and roughed up like that... but worse.

 

[WakaShoMan]

JDLangevin:
bro:

Couldn't get it off huh? Do you have a breaker bar? Mine where very hard to get off... today my wife bought me a nice socket set, and a breaker bar and a torque wrench.... wow!

It's so nice using the right tools. Anyway, that bolt wouldn't budge with a 9" rachet, so I hooked up my 18" breaker bar, and it came loose. If I were you I'd pull down my carpet and pull the rubber piece out, then spray the threads real good with some PB or something...

hail PB Blaster

Yeah, I have a cheater bar, but if I broke the bolt off I'd be temporarily screwed as I gotta drive 400 miles today and did not want to risk stranding my car as I worked to remedy a broken rear SFB bolt.

I PB-blasted the crap outta the bolt and nut but still no give.

So next weekend I will try again with the breaker bar and the luxury of time if I snap that bolt!

Thanks for the advice!

 

[atticdog]

where is a good place to oder sfb either both stock or aluminum?
and part numbers?

 

[projectSHO89]

atticdog:
where is a good place to get sfb's?
stock part number?

Support our site sponsors:

SHO Nut Performance carries the the aftermarket ones plus stock bushings.

Ford Parts Network carries the stock and Gen III bushings.

Visit their sites for more information.

Steve

 

[Bizzy]

Check SHO Nut's website under suspension and/or Performance sections for OEM bushings and aluminum SFB. I'm fairly certain that Torrie at FPN would carry the OEM bushings as well.

 

[Dr. Tweak]

wakashoman:

Yeah, I have a cheater bar, but if I broke the bolt off I'd be temporarily screwed as I gotta drive 400 miles today and did not want to risk stranding my car as I worked to remedy a broken rear SFB bolt.

I PB-blasted the crap outta the bolt and nut but still no give.

So next weekend I will try again with the breaker bar and the luxury of time if I snap that bolt!

Thanks for the advice!

Bro, It's righty-tighty, lefty-loosey!!! lol Just kidding bro just kidding, though I'm sure it's happened... doh

atticdog, if you need the part numbers just hit myself or Niki up on MSN...