Tightening strut rod to lower control arm

[Devin]

I bought new LCAs but when I reattached the strut rod I was attempting to torque it but the nut kept pulling the threads through. I started fearing that it wasn't going to bottom out before it damaged the (new) bushing in the LCA. Should the nut bottom out at some point and allow me to torque it (70 - 90ft/lbs iirc) without fearing damage to the bushing?

 

[LOUDSHO92]

Make sure it is oriented correctly and that you use a washer as well.

 

[Devin]

Really? There is supposed to be a washer on the LCA end of the strut rod? Would it be the rod side or the nut side on the LCA?

 

[rudedog]

There should be a washer on the rod side, then one half of the bushing, then the LCA, then the other half of the bushing, then another washer, then the nut.
Unless you have the adjustable strut rods, then it'll be .... nut, washer, bushing, LCA, bushing, washer, nut.
That goes for the subframe end also, just substitute "cup mount" where LCA is.

Hope that makes sense and helps a little.

 

[Devin]

Well fudge.

Just so I don't sound like a complete fool, is there a slightly curved washer on the LCA to subframe?

The way I thought it was setup was the end of the LCA that attaches to the subfarme has a bolt, washer LCA then nut. What I'm wondering is if I put a washer on the LCA to subframe part when I was supposed to put it on the rod to LCA. However I don't remember extra parts there. Anyone have a picture of the LCA and Rod joint I can reference?

 

[rudedog]

This is a pic of the adjustable ones that shobros sells

going from the inside of both ends, there will be a washer, inner bushing, frame/lca, outter bushing, then the nut, unless you have THESE bars then there will be an additional nut on the inside to make the adjustments, as shown.

There may be a curved style washer on either end of the original ones I don't remember, I'll look on the project car tomorrow.

 

[Devin]

Well I was looking at Shobros and RCM and neither of them have washers for the TSR to LCA connection, but always for the TSR to subframe and all around in the rear.

 

[rudedog]

Well, if it DIDN'T have a washer on front and rear of the LCA end, I mean, if that's the case, what keeps the LCA bushings from sliding over the nut or over the strut rod?? Wouldn't it just slide in and out every time you took off or stopped???

I got this off AutoZone's web site, looked it up for a '93 SHO

for the subframe end:

Tension Strut/Sub Frame Insulators

1. Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.
2. Remove and discard the nut, washer and insulator from the front of the tension strut. Pull the strut rearward to remove it from the subframe.
3. Remove and discard the insulator from the tension strut.

To install:

4. Install a new insulator on the tension strut end and insert it into the subframe.
5. Install a new front insulator. Clean the tension strut threads. Install a new washer and nut. Tighten to 70-95 ft. lbs. (95-129 Nm).
6. Install the lower control arm on the vehicle.

Hope this helps some.

 

[Devin]

I know, deep down inside that I need washers for this. But where the heck can I get them? No kit comes with them.

Alldatadiy calls for 70-90ft/lbs on the strut rod to lca nut... I wonder if the difference is the year or something else?

This is quickly becoming one of the most frustrating parts of this rebuild. Now I wish I hadn't changed out my lca.

 

[rudedog]

try these numbers from Ford cd. you might be able to get them at the dealer.

 

[Devin]

I figured out my issue.

First, the flat washers that on the front side of the LCA looks like it is attached to the strut rod (which it may be, I haven't checked it out that thoroughly). The other curved washer I thought went to the LCA to subframe joint, but in reality it goes up on the rear side of the LCA between the bushing and the nut.

Now, the real question is which torque setting do I use? I'd rather not bust my new bushings. One of Rudedog's posts states it at 40 - 53ft/lbs but the service CD and Alldata says 70 - 90ft/lbs or there abouts. Should I go with the 70 - 90?

 

[Call_Me_crazy]

Hey Devin, this is Rudy, I'm using my bro's terminal. The first post, with the pic was from AutoZone (40-53ftlbs), the last post, up above, is from the Ford service cd (73-97ftlbs). If that helps you make your mind up any. I have not actually ever done any strut rod bushings on a Taurus, YET!! So maybe some of the other members will shine some light on it for us. I'll be installing the adjustable ones from RCM soon, on my brother's SHO, and then possibly some on my GL soon, so the info will help me as well.