Strut rod installation - help! - could use a picture

[93rev2sev]

First off let me say that the receiver in the subframe is not damaged or loose. I had the subframe sandblasted before repainting it so I was able to inspect it quite well.

Also, I have searched this forum thoroughly and was unable to find what I needed, so please no "do a search" replies.

What I need is a picture of a correctly installed strut rod or description of what I am doing wrong - see procedure below.

I am trying to figure out the order in which to install all the washers for the strut rod.

the procedure I am using is apparently not correct. I can tighten the strut rod receiver nut and LCA nut all the way to the shank on the strut rod and the bushings are still not being compressed against the receiver or the LCA. (should they be compressed against the receiver and LCA?)

Here is my (perhaps incorrect) procedure:
Part 1
insert strut rod through large hole in frame.
Install small cup washer with large hole(cup toward receiver) onto strut rod all the way to the lip, followed by red poly bushing (I am fairly sure this is how it came out).
Insert end of strut rod through receiver on subframe.
Install black rubber bushing on strut rod and seat it's small end in the receiver to mate with the red bushing.
Install large cup washer with small hole over strut rod threads (cup toward receiver).
Install strut rod nut onto strut rod and tighten.

Part 2
Install cup washer on LCA side of strut rod (cup is facing the front - away from the LCA bushing).
Slide LCA over strut rod end.
Install cup washer on end of strut rod (cup facing rear - away from the LCA bushing).
Install strut rod nut and tighten.

Part 3
Manuver LCA into frame mount and install new bolt and nut.
Manuver LCA stud into spindle and install new pinch bolt and nut.

When I follow this procedure, the strut rod and LCA wiggle up and down and around quite easily. Am I missing a washer somewhere? I was under the impression that the strut rod to subframe bushings should be squeezed together by the nut and washers, thus making the strut rod sort of rigid and tight in the subframe.

Thanks

 

[sdpatt]

Try this SHOtimes link for a TRW image of the front suspension assembly.

 

[93rev2sev]

Turns out my procedure is correct, except for the cup washer on the forward side of the LCA bushing. No washer goes there. There will only be one washer between the LCA and the receiver. That would be the cup washer on the harder, red bushing.

When I was working on the suspension, It was getting dark and I was getting tired. Add that to the fact that I had to stop in the middle then let the "problem" marinate overnight without being able to look things over...I couldn't wait to get home and check it out...so I posted the non-problem from work.

Thanks for responding though. Maybe someone will use this info.