Ok here we go... after researching this and finding out that I am NOT Crazy and that the replacement Strut rod bushings SUCK and last no more then a few months till you hear that dreaded CLUNCK when backing up and hitting the brakes, this will now be the THIRD time I am replacing them in about a 4 year period!! Now I want to do it ONE LAST TIME and have it last. Keep in mind that I do NOT have the original bushings or sleves or anything only the MOOG parts, washers etc. IF i can find E9SZ3A187A will this be the "kit" with everthing in it for the ROD to FRAME? I think I will need TWO of this part ## Correct? I assume I can reused the moog washers if needed. For the ROD to lower arm I read that I need part #s E9SZ3A140A and E9SZ3A140B Do these bushings have whatever metal parts are needed? sleves/ferrels? Again I assume I can reuse my washers as a washer is a washer and the sleve/ferrel will determine WHEN the bushing bottoms out so that it cannot be overtightened. Any help is greatly appreciated! THANKS!!!! Phil

PReal

The control arm A and B bushings are metal molded into rubber and only need the washers and nut to install them. They are a very good design. When I bought them they were sold in packages of two, so I bought one each package from fordparts.com.

The frame bushings need the stock sleeves and washers to install them.

A washer isn't just a washer.

All of the OEM washers are cupped, which is required in order for the OEM bushings to function properly.

While the forward strut rod bushings themselves are still available, the "kits" are long obsolete. You'll need to locate the OEM hardware (front and rear washers and the two piece sleeves) from someone parting a car, or from a junkyard. '89-'97 Thunderbirds and Cougars use exactly the same parts.

Here's a good thread with pictures:

http://forums.tccoa.com/showthread.php?t=135491

Hi thanks for the reply. WHen I say A washer is a washer etc. I didnt mean I could just slap any old washer on the strut rod, nor would I put a flat washer on the strut rod. I meant that I don't see any real reason that I couldn't reuse the Moog Strut Rod Washers. I would tend to doubt that they would be significantly different from the original washers. The problem now is where the hell to get the sleves for the front? I will NOT put any more MOOG or any other SR bushing other then OEM. ALL these replacement parts are complete crap! THe CHINA made control arms are junk as are the sway links, the Arnott air struts are junk and dont last more them 1 1/2 years if you use your car as a daily driver and put more then 25,000 on them, etc.. I learned my lession the hard and expensive way and now ONLY USE OEM parts! Sad all the money I wasted trying to "save" money only to have to redo the work again and again!

PReal

The picture of the strut rod to frame bushing shows one of the washers IMPROPERLY installed!! While it LOOKS as if the washer should install with the cupped end towards the bushing it is WRONG! Every car I've seen including the Mark VIIIs have the cupped side facing away from the bushings. While I never understood WHY, this is just how it is and what is correct!

PReal

Which washer in which picture do you think is wrong? Everything in the first post in the thread that I linked is shown correctly.

The rear washer is marked "REAR" and that marking should face the rear of the car.

The front washer is marked "THIS SIDE OUT" and that marking should face the front of the car.

And the Moog washers are not correct for use with the OEM bushings.

As for the sleeves, I've designed and produce an improved design stainless steel sleeve for use with the OEM washers and bushings, that will outlast your car, but they're not cheap, I get $175 per set (both sides).

The pictures are right according to the shop manual. The washers are shaped according to the flex and strain they will experience. My Moog ones were bent after one month. My OEM ones are still fine and I reused them.