Power Surge
SHO Member
Bit the bullet and spent some time doing all the upper strut mounts this weekend.
Fronts were a breeze, probably the easiest strut removal/install I've ever done. I used Moog replacement mounts, which came with new bearings. The Moog mounts are nice, and they have an extra "step" in them which keeps the upper mount plate farther away from the strut tower for no chance of contact.
The rears were a pain, but once I realized I had to unbolt the strut rods, they came off. Once again, I used Moog replacement struts. Their rear mounts are WAY more robust then the stock ones, and are all once piece unlike the stockers.
You could see how shot the rears were, as the center hole in the old mount was oblonged to twice it's size and the strut sleeve was rubbing against the metal upper plate. That was the squeak that was driving me crazy.
I also replaced the end links for the rear stabilizer bar, as the old ones broke on removal. And I replaced both outer tie rod ends, as mine were dry and rusted out. I used Spicer brand "professional" series ends, and let me tell you they are the nicest tie rod ends I've ever seen. They even come with urethane boot caps.
The car is MUCH quieter now, as all four struts were banging around, and of course the squeak from the rear was driving me insane. The car also feels much tighter and responsive.
Next up will be subframe bushings, as mine are also shot, and the subframe bangs around on turns and hard bumps. I think I am going to go with the aluminum ones.
Fronts were a breeze, probably the easiest strut removal/install I've ever done. I used Moog replacement mounts, which came with new bearings. The Moog mounts are nice, and they have an extra "step" in them which keeps the upper mount plate farther away from the strut tower for no chance of contact.
The rears were a pain, but once I realized I had to unbolt the strut rods, they came off. Once again, I used Moog replacement struts. Their rear mounts are WAY more robust then the stock ones, and are all once piece unlike the stockers.
You could see how shot the rears were, as the center hole in the old mount was oblonged to twice it's size and the strut sleeve was rubbing against the metal upper plate. That was the squeak that was driving me crazy.
I also replaced the end links for the rear stabilizer bar, as the old ones broke on removal. And I replaced both outer tie rod ends, as mine were dry and rusted out. I used Spicer brand "professional" series ends, and let me tell you they are the nicest tie rod ends I've ever seen. They even come with urethane boot caps.
The car is MUCH quieter now, as all four struts were banging around, and of course the squeak from the rear was driving me insane. The car also feels much tighter and responsive.
Next up will be subframe bushings, as mine are also shot, and the subframe bangs around on turns and hard bumps. I think I am going to go with the aluminum ones.
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The Bronco has a 31-spline 9-inch rear, as does my Cougar and did my Mustangs.... The Nodular 31-spline center unit was (and still is) the standard in drag racing - one of the few Ford parts you would (and still do) ever see under a GM product 
