Strut Rod Installation

[BlackandBlue]

I built a new subframe for my 93 ATX. I had a set of Moog LCA and strut rods from a previous part purchase along with an assortment of TPR bushings for the front suspension.

My question is when I dissembled the old subframe; there is a metal cone shaped piece in the stack of bushings where the strut rod connects to subframe. The order of the stack was washer, bushing, metal cone, subframe, bushing, washer, and nut.

Do I need to use this metal cone piece with the new TPR bushings or just use washer, bushing, subframe, bushing, washer, and nut? It looks like from this image on shotimes that I would not use the metal cone. When I trial fitted everything back together, the metal cone just did seem to fit well.

http://www.shotimes.com/php-bin/images/trwsuspension.jpg

Thanks,
Eric

 

[Rockledge]

Is that the cone part that almosts appears as if it's a part of the subframe itself? It looked to me like it was put there for a reason, so I left it alone. Everything bolted together fine.

 

[BlackandBlue]

Yes, that is it. I thought it was part of the subframe too. I have bolted mine back up, but it does not fit well. I tried to this subframe and my suspension clunks bad and this "joint" is the only thing I can figure out as the problem.
Thanks,
Eric

 

[AREA 91]

I don't know if I can help ya out or not, buy I'l try. Are you talking about where the strut rod passes through the sub frame? If so, there was a thread about this "bushing" rusting, and causing a clunk in the front end. The solution is to have it re-welded to the sub frame. Make any sense?

 

[BlackandBlue]

I think we are taking about the same piece. I will see if I can find that tread.

 

[artsho]

It's actually the seat for the bushing...they are known for rusting loose....you need to have them welded back on.....

 

[etc1006]

Hmmm, maybe thats the source of one of my noises... We'll see.

 

[BlackandBlue]

FYI

Here is a link to Moogs ServiceLink Buletin. It provides the recomended repair details.

http://members.bellatlantic.net/~rbruce/SHO_transmission/StrutRodBushing.pdf

 

[Rockledge]

FYI

Here is a link to Moogs ServiceLink Buletin. It provides the recomended repair details.

http://members.bellatlantic.net/~rbruce/SHO_transmission/StrutRodBushing.pdf

Here's something kinda interesting. I was looking through those Moog Bulletins and came across one that seems to indicate that there is a Moog Strut Repair Kit (# K8737) that can fix the condition without any welding or replacing of the subframe. If I read it correctly, the article refers to the cone part or seat as "the stamped metal insert at the front cross member" which gets removed and replaced with the components from the kit. It looks to be especially applicable to those situations where rust and corrosion has caused the area to fail:

http://www.federal-mogul.com/fmeconnect/technicalservices/downloads/2077.pdf

I wonder if anyone has ever tried the Moog kit repair around here?

 

[BlackandBlue]

Thanks for the link.

I just ordered two of those Moog Strut Repair kits from Rockauto for around $150 shipped. I will have them in this week and let everyone know how them work out.
Thanks,
Eric