ConcoursMustang Forums

1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1968 Mustang => Topic started by: lightwtjet on October 02, 2024, 12:38:28 AM

Title: strut rod bushing washer position
Post by: lightwtjet on October 02, 2024, 12:38:28 AM
For a 1968 car I got a repair kit  from CJ Pony (#FM-ESO17E)  the instructions clearly show that the rear washer is turned backwards from that I found on my car. Any ideas?
Title: Re: strut rod bushing washer position
Post by: Bob Gaines on October 02, 2024, 01:56:48 AM
For a 1968 car I got a repair kit  from CJ Pony (#FM-ESO17E)  the instructions clearly show that the rear washer is turned backwards from that I found on my car. Any ideas?
I have read instructions like that before however from the assemblyline the washer was not turned backwards but cupped liked the front. This is backed up by assemblyline drawings, shop manuals, survivor cars etc.
Title: Re: strut rod bushing washer position
Post by: ruppstang on October 02, 2024, 09:21:03 AM
I have read instructions like that before however from the assemblyline the washer was not turned backwards but cupped liked the front. This is backed up by assemblyline drawings, shop manuals, survivor cars etc.
+ 1 It makes no sense from an engineering standpoint to turn the washer away from the bushing.
Title: Re: strut rod bushing washer position
Post by: lightwtjet on October 02, 2024, 12:52:57 PM
Thank you- I agree -the cup should encapsulate the rubber on compression.
In looking at the bushings on the market, many parts houses are offering a polyurethane bushing that is not rubber and is very hard. I believe that stiffness would dramatically increase the stress in the strut rod when the tire is impacted. Not good.
Title: Re: strut rod bushing washer position
Post by: Bob Gaines on October 02, 2024, 01:06:28 PM
Thank you- I agree -the cup should encapsulate the rubber on compression.
In looking at the bushings on the market, many parts houses are offering a polyurethane bushing that is not rubber and is very hard. I believe that stiffness would dramatically increase the stress in the strut rod when the tire is impacted. Not good.
I would lose the CJ number. They are typically at the heart to a problem one way or another when I am trying to help a enthusiast with their car.  In this 68 model case NPD (FYI who has management as a forum member here)  has the best parts available after market /reproduction IMO. I have found CJ to have less correct options.  https://www.npdlink.com/product/strut-rod-bushing-kit/215208
Title: Re: strut rod bushing washer position
Post by: carlite65 on October 02, 2024, 02:21:38 PM
++1 to Bob's suggestions.
Title: Re: strut rod bushing washer position
Post by: jwc66k on October 03, 2024, 02:37:57 PM
To "add" more to this topic, I found two strut rod bushing washers in my "collection" (years back, I got a 5 gallon bucket half full of hardware from a local dismantler about once a month). Both are aftermarket part, both are formed by a stamping press operation and both are marked different:
1. 2 1/2 in od; 7/8 in id; 1/8 in thk material; inside the cup is stamped "C292"; outside the cup is stamped "THIS SIDE TO RUBBER". Obviously incorrect.
2. 2 3/4 in od; 7/8 in id; 1/8 in thk material; inside the cup is stamped "8382" and "THIS SIDE TO RUBBER"; outside the cup is stamped "THIS SIDE TO FRONT OF CAR".
(Obviously they are candidates for fishing weights.)
Jim