Ball joints and strut rod bushings need help to identify

MaSnaka · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2016, 09:29 AM

I went in for a front end alignment before I put on some new tires. The mechanic told me my ball joints in the upper control arms are worn and the rubber bushings at the strut rods are deteriorated beyond salvage. So I need to correct these issues first.

10 years ago just before CRII went out of business I purchased from them the tubular upper and lower control arms for the front end. I have no idea what they are or what ball joint I need for replacement. If anybody knows the part number please share.

Also the big rubber bushings that the strut rod uses at the frame mount. There are two big concave washers that sandwich them in place. I assume pinto or mustang II but not sure what year.

Thanks,
John

byron w · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2016, 10:01 AM

Masnaka, More than likely they can be purchased from Speedwaymotors .com

They are a standard screw in ball joint and their web site makes it pretty easy to figure out. Also the strut rod bushings are going to be Mustang ll and they are available anywhere.

Good luck, Byron W

byron w · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2016, 12:08 PM

I should have said they are most likely the Chrysler screw in ball joints but as sated in my first post, the dimensions are on the speedwaymotors.com web site.

Byron

MaSnaka · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2016, 03:15 PM

Thanks Byron,

The info you sent is very helpful.

John

byron w · #5 (**permalink**) 07-24-2016, 08:00 PM

Hi John,

Glad it helps you, you are very welcome.

Byron

Double Venom · #6 (**permalink**) 07-25-2016, 07:23 AM

Just to get in the gist of things, John "EVERYTHING" you describe is "Mustang II. TIME to upgrade to the 2000's! Tubular and coil-overs. Heidts, Speedway have full interchangeable kits.
Get rid of the Strutrods, bushings!!

Your butt and passangers will thank you!

"Yesterdays Classics - "Today's Technogy!" tm/copyright

DV

moore_rb · #7 (**permalink**) 07-26-2016, 07:01 AM

I've been eye-balling this upgraded coilover front suspension for several months...:

Mustang II IFS, Std. Tubular Control Arms, Coilover Springs, Stock Spindles - Free Shipping @ Speedway Motors

MaSnaka-

If you plan to stick with the lower strut rod setup, you can upgrade the Strut bushings to polyurethane for 17 bucks...:

http://www.prothanesuspensionparts.c...FVKIfgodj84JIg

If your car has any wandering tendencies in it's neutral on-center steering, these firmer bushings will help with that.

MaSnaka · #8 (**permalink**) 07-27-2016, 10:45 AM

Do I need the strut rods? I did upgrade to the tubular upper and lower control arm with the coil over. I purchased this conversion from CRII just before they closed. How would I know?

Been out of town so project got stalled. Ready to get started now.

Thanks,
John

Double Venom · #9 (**permalink**) 07-28-2016, 02:21 AM

John
With the proper control arms, uppers and lowers, NO. T strut rods are NOT NEEDED NOR USED!
DV

Wisconsin_Snake · #10 (**permalink**) 07-28-2016, 09:59 AM

What's involved with the conversion (tubular upper and lowers with coilovers)?
Is the stock shock mount still used with the coilover or does the need to be cutout and replaced with something else?

MaSnaka · #11 (**permalink**) 07-29-2016, 09:01 PM

WS,
The top shock mount stays put. I'd say the conversion is pretty straight forward. My kit came with a lot of bolts I could not use and so I had to go buy my own. I know small block and big block cars use a different rated spring. I want to say 350# for the small block and 600# big block. That could be wrong so I suggest you get confirmation.

Good luck ,
John