Rear End Suspension Bushings

[Ironbird]

I just noticed a big (vertical) end play in both rear end wheels of my T-Bird. Closer inspection revealed worn out upper bushings in the rear end knuckle. [Aluminum Knuckle has 1 upper bushing and 2 lower bushings]. It appears these bushings have an interior soft material that deteriorates with time. (I just checked 9 T-Birds in a junk yard and ALL of them had the same problem to various degrees (some had more play than others) I was checking Energy Suspension to see if they had any hard urethane inserts of bushings for T-Birds-- so far no good.

Raise car -- put jacks under frame-- try moving wheel up and down (vertical) if bushing is bad you will notice a play 1/8 to 3/8 inch or more.

The center section of the bushing is the one that goes bad. I am thinking of building a thicker aluminum or brass insert for the center if I can not find a suitable non-failure prone replacement.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Birdman.

 

[Ironbird]

I would like to add that the 2 lower bushings of the aluminum knuckle seem to hold well. (No problems- so far)

The upper arm to chassis bushing appears to be similar to the knuckle bushing--I also noticed some play on it.

 

[Ball_Z_Bird]

Go polyurethane the give this a shot>>>> Bushings & sway bar