PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: mklarose on December 18, 2019, 07:28:58 AM

Title: Control arm bushings 71 sedan
Post by: mklarose on December 18, 2019, 07:28:58 AM

I would like to replace the control arm bushings in my 71 sedan, upper and lower.
It is easy to get the uppers, the lower is the problem without paying a fortune for NOS ones.
There are complete kits for the 74 and up at a good price.
Can anyone tell me if these kits (ie energy suspension) can be used on the early models?
Are the upper bushings the same on 71 - 73 as 74 and later???
The lower bushings are definitely not but can they be modified to fit???  (ie shortened/machined)
Do the bushings for all years (upper and lower) have the same outer/inner diameter so they could be used if modified???
Does anyone have the specifications/dimensions of the lower control arm bushings for 71 - 73 models????
There are many different opinions on these bushings. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Control arm bushings 71 sedan
Post by: Wittsend on December 18, 2019, 02:03:26 PM

A "Do At Your Own Risk" option is to make your own bushings. And really it is rebuild your old bushings.  Look on You Tube and there are a lot of videos where people use the old shells and center section that are gutted out (assumed they burn them out) and then pour in their own Urethane. I took a quick glance and there are more videos for motor mounts..., but the principle is the same.

Title: Re: Control arm bushings 71 sedan
Post by: 72pintoproject on December 20, 2019, 07:41:32 AM

Here is a link to Rare Parts, lower bushing listed as $35 US each

https://shop.rareparts.com/RP15196A-15196-CONTROL-ARM-BUSHING?partlocation=FRONT%20LOWER&veh=1971-FORD-PINTO

I'll also attach a screen grab listing the specs of the bushing

Title: Re: Control arm bushings 71 sedan
Post by: mklarose on December 24, 2019, 07:56:58 AM

Thanks for the link. I looked at both (71 & 74) specs and if it was only shortening the bushing I could get that done but even the  od of the bushings are different so that kills that idea. If needed guess NOS will have to do but I won't throw in the towel yet.

Title: Re: Control arm bushings 71 sedan
Post by: ponyboy on January 04, 2020, 01:20:32 AM

My experience is that if you can get the correct part, that is usually the best way to go. I paid a little over $1200 just for the steering parts for my 1964 Fairlane. $500 in tie rod ends alone. Old cars are not cheap to work on, but at least they don't have computers.