Suspension rebuild

[Phokus]

I had a peek under the car with Iowc the other day

My suspension isn't making any noises or anything but the few bushings I saw were dried and cracked up like a dried smushed cookie.

What parts should I be looking at to replace?
Looks like I need new endlinks all around especially the rear.

Any brand you recommend or should I just go with MOOG?

 

[greengiant]

pictures!

 

[LOUDSHO92]

Ingalls is a good brand as well: SHO Source

Energy Suspension is good if you want a stiffer suspension.

You shoul replace strut rod bushings, sway bar bushings and endlinks.

 

[Phokus]

pictures!

Ugh I knew I probably should have took pictures that day.
I can try to crawl under with a jack and see if I can get a good pic later.

Ingalls is a good brand as well: SHO Source

Energy Suspension is good if you want a stiffer suspension.

You shoul replace strut rod bushings, sway bar bushings and endlinks.

I don't know what a stock one feels like but I want something firm but not harsh
If you have ridden in a newer Focus (08+) something like a bit stiffer than that.

Basically something between what a Focus and a Crown Vic feels like lol
The Vic is good but theres something about it that makes it ride pretty hard.. must be the body on frame, stiffer p71 springs/shocks, and the solid rear axle

 

[LOUDSHO92]

The Ingalls bushings should do the job then.

 

[frosho]

What does this car have for subframe bushings?

 

[Phokus]

What does this car have for subframe bushings?

I dont know..


But here are some pics of a few random bushings I was able to take a pic of with the rear on a jack

 

[STL. SHO]

I dont know..


But here are some pics of a few random bushings I was able to take a pic of with the rear on a jack

Does the strut rod in the second to last pic looks bent ?

 

[biker889]

nasty...i got an energy suspension kit for the rear for around $30 bucks...best bang for the buck. didnt notice any more NVH. you are gonna have a difficult time getting everything free, i had to heat mine real nice to get them off

 

[Phokus]

Bent? I dunno. lol Maybe its just the way the pic was taken

I thought taking the rusty crap off my 7 year old vic was bad.. wait til I take a crack at this..

So those two are called Rear Strut Rods? I'm gonna replace those first
They just unbolt and bolt back in right? (Assuming they even unbolt anymore..)

 

[STL. SHO]

Bent? I dunno. lol Maybe its just the way the pic was taken

I thought taking the rusty crap off my 7 year old vic was bad.. wait til I take a crack at this..

So those two are called Rear Strut Rods? I'm gonna replace those first
They just unbolt and bolt back in right? (Assuming they even unbolt anymore..)

When I took mine off when I replaced my struts the ends where the bushings slide over where really rusted but ok, pb blaster works great on rusty nut/bolts and there are flat spots on the rod for vise grip pliers or a wrench so the rod does not turn while takeing off the nuts.

 

[Phokus]

If I can't get it off; can I cut it off here? Or is that not gonna work? Cut where the red lines are marked

 

[jonheese]

1. Never put any part of your body that you don't mind losing under a car on a jack. If you must climb under a car (and we all must at some point), use properly placed, stable jack stands.

2. If you can't get the nut to unscrew off the strut rod(s), you could cut it where you marked, but what are you going to use to cut? A pneumatic (or electric) cut-off wheel or a sawzall might work, but it probably won't be easy or quick. If you're thinking of like a hacksaw, forget it. Either way, IMO, you'd be much better served to use a nut splitter like this to get the nut off and then it should all come apart. Much quicker, easier, cheaper and less prone to damage anything important.

 

[Phokus]

Ooh I forgot about the nut splitters. I don't know what I was going to use just whatever I would have at the time of needing to hack it apart I guess

http://shosource.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=61_3_34&products_id=152
^ Two of this is what I need and two sets of this V right?
http://shosource.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=61_3_36&products_id=142

Just noticed the front control arms are pretty cheap too mind as well get those too since the bushings on those are going bad

 

[jonheese]

http://shosource.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=61_3_34&products_id=152
^ Two of this is what I need and two sets of this V right?
http://shosource.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=61_3_36&products_id=142

Close. Two strut rods and one set of bushings, but you'll probably need the bushings at both ends (frame and knuckle).

Remember that one set of bushings is enough to do both sides ("Includes 4 (2x side for a total of 4) rear strut rod bushings and needed washers per application").

 

[Phokus]

Oh yea I thought sets of bushings were 2 not all 4

Okie I just placed an order for both front control arms, rear strut rods, strut rod bushings and i think thats it oh and front end links

 

[jonheese]

The more I think about it, the more I'm doubting my interpretation of the vague language there... You may want to shoot a quick e-mail to [email protected] (or PM LOUDSHO92) to confirm. They can modify your order after the fact if necessary.

 

[rubydist]

If I had that, I would take it all off and throw it away and put a Gen3 subframe under the car. you will spend less money to do it right, and have a better suspension when you are done, imho.

 

[jonheese]

Nah, I think stock parts would easily be cheaper, easier, and quicker than a Gen3 subframe, especially for someone who hasn't done either before. Plus the rear would still be an issue after all that.

Now, if he really wanted to improve the feel and performance of the suspension, and didn't mind the extra work and expense of a Gen3 subframe swap, then I say go for it!

 

[LOUDSHO92]

Close. Two strut rods and one set of bushings, but you'll probably need the bushings at both ends (frame and knuckle).

Remember that one set of bushings is enough to do both sides ("Includes 4 (2x side for a total of 4) rear strut rod bushings and needed washers per application").

The more I think about it, the more I'm doubting my interpretation of the vague language there... You may want to shoot a quick e-mail to [email protected] (or PM LOUDSHO92) to confirm. They can modify your order after the fact if necessary.

You had it right the first time. We sell them in pairs. So 1 set will get both sides.