Re: Front End Rebuild Experience

Posted by Randy Berger On 2009/5/8 22:27:01

I just finished replacing the upper rubber bushings. Although Packard only listed the upper arm as an assembly, the bushings can be had. They are TRW 12309 and are used in 71-75 Lincoln town cars. Napa crossed them over to Moog and wanted $6.xx a piece. Advance Auto wanted $16.xx a piece. I had the mechanic at the garage use a hydraulic press to press out the old ones and press in the new. Just be careful not to apply any pressure across the ears. Apply pressure only to the bushing you are pressing out.
My friend Chris says he has never seen a bad lower bushing. The ones he removed all looked like fresh rubber inside.
I couldn't get the front end low enough to install the TL holding tool so just put jackstands as far out on the lower A-frame as they would go. If you need new eccentrics and or kingpins, I would buy Kanter's kit.

edit; note the position of the dimple on the upper control arm shaft and install it the same way.