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Replacing upper and lower control arms

vbarrios

Member
Joined
May 14, 2007
Messages
9
I'm looking at updating the suspension on my '67 with a grab-a-trak spring and handling kit. While I'm at it, should I replace the original upper and lower control arms as well?
 

CougarCJ

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 17, 2006
Messages
2,189
I would plan on replacing it all if it is still OEM original 1967 parts.

If you don't already have front disc brakes, this is the time to do that conversion too.
 

rvrtrash

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2003
Messages
3,650
I put all new stock type bushings in mine but if I was building a road racer, I'd go with the polyurethane bushings in the upper and lower control arms and a roller spring perch. Check the arms for cracks while you're at it.

Steve
 
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V

vbarrios

Member
Joined
May 14, 2007
Messages
9
Thanks for the suggestions.
Steve, you mentioned polyurethane bushings. What's the difference between these and stock ones?
 

rvrtrash

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2003
Messages
3,650
They are a hard material that flexes less (if at all), giving you a firmer ride with more accurate tracking. The down side is, you pick up more road vibration. It all depends on what you're going to do with the car.

Steve
 

Mustanger

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Messages
1,974
Location
So Cal
I agree with Steve, when I re-did my '70 Mach 1 with Energy Suspension poly-urethane bushings, it really helped tighten up the chassis ...
 

CougarCJ

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 17, 2006
Messages
2,189
I know several instances where polyeurethane has caused too much stress on strut rods. The rods have cracked and broken.

I do not recommend using the polyeurethane for the strut rods.

One other down side to poly is a tendency to squeek. I did use poly on my front suspension rebuild, no issues and I did use a liberal amount of lubrication during installation. I should mention that I only have about 2000 miles since the front suspension rebuild.
 
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