Robert Crain
Active LVC Member
Greetings All, So the next thing on my repair list is new struts and rear lower control arms.
I've learned here not to reuse suspension hardware. Are the nuts and bolts used to secure the control arms and lower shock mount special or can I use something more generic? Where do I purchase the hardware if it is special? I assume it's no longer available from Ford.
The top of the shock absorber shaft has a square tip above the 18mm hold-down nut so the rod won't twist when removing the nut. Are Vise-grips the best tool to use to hold the shock absorber shaft in place while removing that 18mm nut? An open-end wrench small enough to fit seems inadequate to me.
As you know, the rear lower control arms are quite expensive. With two kids in college, I'm on a tight budget and am wrestling with the decision to replace just the bushings or the complete control arm. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks for your help! Rob
I've learned here not to reuse suspension hardware. Are the nuts and bolts used to secure the control arms and lower shock mount special or can I use something more generic? Where do I purchase the hardware if it is special? I assume it's no longer available from Ford.
The top of the shock absorber shaft has a square tip above the 18mm hold-down nut so the rod won't twist when removing the nut. Are Vise-grips the best tool to use to hold the shock absorber shaft in place while removing that 18mm nut? An open-end wrench small enough to fit seems inadequate to me.
As you know, the rear lower control arms are quite expensive. With two kids in college, I'm on a tight budget and am wrestling with the decision to replace just the bushings or the complete control arm. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks for your help! Rob