Newb...Howdy!

[theterminator93]

Posting all this is way overkill, but I figured "what the heck" at this point.

The T-bird hasn't been my DD since 2010, so a lot of its service history is skewed because of that.

I bought the 94 Cougar in 2010 to be the DD, followed by the 96 Mark VIII in 2014 then the 98 in 2018. Aside from the Cougar all of them have been high-mileage machines... but perhaps you can gleam some useful info on the common issues that can be had as the cars age.

The Cougar didn't look pretty, but it was (more or less) mechanically sound. Only issue I had was a really weird loosening of the rocker arm bolts on the driver's head that allowed the intake valve on #6 to slip out from under it, creating a rather.... unique misfire. Probably a result of impoper servicing from the PO after doing head gaskets?

Date	Mileage	Description
7/23/2010	114,096	Vehicle purchase
7/28/2010	114,097	Brake system flush
7/29/2010	114,105	Replace RR wheel bearing (National)
7/30/2010	114,105	Oil pressure switch to sender conversion MAF sensor cleaning Oil change (Valvoline MaxLife 5W30, Motorcraft 400S)
7/31/2010	114,105	Sea Foam treatment
8/3/2010	114,105	Replace rear brake shoes (Raybestos)
8/4/2010	114,131	Replace MAF sensor (used OEM, cleaned)
8/6/2010	114,160 114,168	Replace left front upper control arm (TRW) A/C Recharge
8/8/2010	114,234	Replaced air filter (STP) Transmission fluid change (Valvoline MaxLife) Replace headlight bulbs
8/10/2010	114.289	Repair LH door ajar switch Replace cassette radio (used OEM)
8/11/2010	114,299 114,306	Replace front sway bar endlinks (Moog) Replace RF rotor (4 mo. used NAPA)
8/12/2010	114,308	Replace EVAP vac. Lines, valve cover vent vac. Line
8/13/2010	114,341	Replace fuel filter (AutoZone)
8/14/2010	114,364	Replace serpentine belt (Goodyear Gatorback)
8/22/2010	114,554	Touch up hood paint (Duplicolor KM)
8/23/2010	114,569	Repair driver’s headlight Repair front grille Repair header panel Align headlights
8/26/2010	114,620	Replace idler pulley (Gates)
8/27/2010	114,679	Re-torque rocker arm bolts (30 ft-lb)
8/31/2010	114,793	Re-paint hood (Dupli-Color KM/clear)
9/1/2010	114,820	Replace spark plug wires (Motorcraft) Re-clear LH fender (Dupli-Color clear)
9/2/2010	114,850	Replace battery (AutoCraft Gold 610 CCA)
9/3/2010	115,080	Replace spark plugs (Autolite AP5145 platinum)
9/4/2010	115,092	Replace starter solenoid (BWD)
9/9/2010	115,200	Replace wiper blades (Michelin Radius 22”) Install winter tires (Firehawk Indy 500
9/13/2010	115,508	Fog light installation
9/20/2010	115,706	RF wheel bearing replacement (Timken) Center console arm rest replacement (used OE)
9/22/2010	115,720	Replace LR wheel cylinder, rear shocks (Monroe Sensatrac)
11/29/2010	117,845	Repair rear window defroster grid (Permatex)
1/9/2011	119,072	Replace thermostat (Stant 195°, Felpro gasket, Permatex thermostat RTV)
1/28/2011	119,600	Replace LF wheel bearing (Timken)
2/10/2011	120,251	Replace temperature gauge sender (NAPA)
2/14/2011	120,365	Replace Thermostat (NAPA)
2/16/2011	120,378	Tire Rotation
3/29/2011	121,364	Old tires installed on car (Rear Goodyear Integrity, left front BFGoodrich The Advantage Plus, right front spare)
7/1/2011	121,526	J-mod (mild drill settings) Replace 1-2, 2-3 accumulator pistons Replace 1-2 accumulator piston springs Deep sump transmission pan upgrade Replace transmission pan filter (Motorcraft) Oil Change (Valvoline SynPower 5W30, Motorcraft 400S)
7/5/2011	121,526	Replace RF upper, lower control arms and shock/spring (Moog/Monroe) Replace LF lower control arm and shock/spring (Moog/Monroe) Replace front LCA side strut rod bushings (Ford OEM)
7/13/2011	121,530	Four wheel alignment Summer tires installed on car (Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 215/70)
7/25/2011	121,538	Repair emergency brake cable
7/26/2011	121,549	Firestone Winterforce tire installation (215/70R15)
8/19/2011	121,560	Replace Radiator
9/18/2011	121,563	Repair exhaust leak (braze rust gap on L cat. conv.) Repair L hood bumper (braze nut to core support)
10/22/2011	121,566	Replace LH headlamp (used OEM)
10/25/2011	121,566	Power steering system flush (Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc)
11/8/2011	121,725	Replace thermostat (Stant superstat)
7/20/2012	125,443	Kenwood KDC-252U, Rockford Fosgate R1682 install Replace IAC Valve (BWD)
7/21/2012	125,443	Repair L window motor
8/14/2012- 8/15/2012	125,450	Replace front rotors (Wearever) Replace rear shoes, drums and hardware (Wearever)
8/20/2012	125,457	Replace water pump (Gates)
8/25-9/6/2012	125,457	Re-paint LF fender, trunk lid, roof, hood (Dupli-Color KM; Rust-Oleum acrylic enamel clear)
9/6/2012	125,466	Oil change (Valvoline SynPower 5W30, Motorcraft 400S)
???	130,000	Oil change
3/23/2013	135,600	Replace distributor cap/rotor (BWD)
4/2013	136,700	Oil change (Valvoline Max Life 5W-30, Purolator filter)
5/2013	137,250	Replace RR shock (Monroe Sensa-Trac) Replace RR sway bar link (Moog)
8/2013	139,650	Rotate tires Oil change (Valvoline Max Life 5W-30, Motorcraft filter)
11/2013	143,500	Replace RH fender (OEM pull)
12/2013	145,500	Change oil (Valvoline Max Life 5W-30, Motorcraft filter) Repair corroded/leaking section of fuel line near filter
1/2014	147,900	Replace leaking valve stem & rebalance tire (RR/Sylvester Auto) Plug leak in tire tread (RR)
2/2014	151,400	Change oil (Valvoline MaxLife 5W-30, Purolator filter)
4/2014	157,250	Change oil (Valvoline MaxLife 5W-30, Motorcraft filter)
4/2014	157,750	Replace brake booster (Cardone reman)
4/2014	158,750	Replace ECT gauge (OEM donor)

After I had the Cougar for a couple years, it needed very little. I gave it to my mom after I bought the 96 Mark VIII.

Approx. Date	Approx. Mileage	Description
04/23/14	172,750	Vehicle Purchase
4/24-25/2014	172,750	Replace Amplifier (OEM – 98 FN10 Donor) Replace headlight trim illumination bulb Replace tensioner pulley (Gates)
04/26/14	173,000	Replace trunk lid reflector bulbs (Sylvania)
4/28-29/2014	173,250	Replace RF corner running light bulb Clean MAF sensor Replace moon roof seal (sunroof doctor aftermarket) Replace front sway bar endlinks (TRW)
4/30/2014	173,500	Four tires balanced (Sylvester Tire) Replace high mount stop lamp bulbs (Sylvania)
5/7/14	174,250	Mild J-mod (2-3 spring out), new ATF (Valvoline MaxLife)
5/12/14	174,750	Single DIN radio head conversion (Kenwood KDC-X505 head, Scosche FD1280A Double-Single DIN dash kit, Scosche FAI-3 speaker level converter)
5/15/14	175,000	Oil Change (5W-30 Valvoline SynPower High Mile, Purolator Filter)
7/17/14	180,000	Brakes bled Replace idler pulley (Dayco)
7/20/14	180,500	Change oil (5W-20 Valvoline MaxLife High Mile, FL820S)
8/3/14	182,000	Replace RR ABS sensor (used OEM) Replace trunk lock cover emblem (used OEM)
8/5/14	182,000	Replace L door interior light switch (used OEM) Replace oil level sensor, repair harness (used OEM)
8/9/14	182,250	Rotate tires Replace R shocks (Tokico HP)
10/12/14	185,250	Change oil (0W-20 Valvoline SynPower, FL820S)
10/17/14	185,500	Replace LH secondary timing chain/tensioner
11/14	186,509	Replace engine (New Ford crate engine; 1994 model year – 0 miles) New coolant New oil New power steering pressure line
12/15/14	189,000	Replace EGR pipe (Ford)
1/9/15	191,000	Change oil (Valvoline 5W-30 synthetic, FL820s)
1/13/15	191,500	Install winter tires (General Altimax Arctic)
1/24/15	192,500	Replace fuel pump (Bosch)
2/8/15	193,000	Replace front brake pads (Raybestos Pro Ceramic)
3/9/15	195,250	Change oil (Valvoline 5W-20 synthetic, FL820s)
3/16/15	195,500	Replace LH mirror (used OEM; heated/dimming)
3/20/15	195,750	Replace front rotors (Wearever) Replace front wheel hubs/bearings (Timken) Replace FL shock/spring (Monroe)
3/25/15	196,000	Replace F sway bar bushings (Mevotech 26mm)
5/3/15	200,000	Change oil (Valvoline 5W-30 synthetic, FL820s) Charge A/C system
5/6/15	200,250	Replace water pump
5/10/15	200,500	Replace serpentine belt Replace AIR pump (used OEM)
6/15/15	201,900	Replace serpentine belt (Goodyear Gatorback)
7/30/15	203,400	Replace R shocks (Monroe Sensa-Trac) Replace F shocks/springs (Monroe Quick-strut)
8/8/15	203,700	Reattach air dam Clean horn contacts
8/22-23/15	204,400	Replace transmission (from ’97 MN12 @ 166,350 – mild J-mod) Replace transmission fluid (Valvoline MaxLife)
9/15	204,800	Rust repair (rockers, doors, over RR wheel) New paint (left/right side)
10/13/15	205,100	Change Oil (Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend, Purloator filter)
11/16/15	206,750	Install winter tires (rotated)
11/15	207,000	Replace LR sway bar link (Moog)
1/21/16	210,000	Change oil (Valvoline 5W-20 Synthetic, FL820s)
3/8/16	212,350	Replace driveshaft u-joints (Henderson driveline)
3/14/16	212,750	Reinstall summer tires
4/6/16	214,000	New summer tires (General Altimax RT43)
5/3/16	215,150	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower 5W-30, FL820s)
5/28/16	216,250	Replace F rotors (Carquest Wearever)
6/22/16	217,600	Replace LR sway bar link (Moog)
7/30/16	220,200	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower 5W30, FL820s) Rotate tires
8/13/16	220,600	Replace RF Rotor (Carquest Wearever)
9/13/15	221,500	Repaint trunk lock cover (Testors Enamels)
10/15/16	223,600	Replace steering wheel/cruise switches, fuel door release switch, repair LRL door panel hook
11/17/16	225,600	Change oil (SynPower 5W30, FL820s)
12/3/16	226,450	Reinstall winter tires
1/28/17	230,000	Change oil (SynPower HM 5W30, FL820s) Rotate tires
2/25/17	231,725	Replace front rotors (Raybestos Advanced Tech) Replace RF caliper (Raybestoes OEM reman.)
4/5/17	233,585	Replace exhaust pipe section R. of 3rd cat. (Monro)
4/7/17	233,800	Reinstall summer tires; winter tires stacked as pulled:
5/3/17	234,825	Change transmission fluid (Valvoline MaxLife ATF) Change oil (Valvoline SynPower 5W-30, FL820s)
7/10/17	238,505	Replace cruise control module
7/20/17	239,114	Replace battery (AutoCraft Gold)
7/29/17	239,750	Replace drive shaft (’96 FN10 donor, ~130k) Change oil (Valvoline SynPower 5W-30, FL820s) Rotate tires
9/19/17	245,060	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower HM 5W-30, FL820s) Rotate tires
10/16/17	246,650	Clean MAF sensor
12/2/17	248,600	Repair trunk lid wires
12/8/17	249,100	Reinstall winter tires
12/24/17	249,985	Change Oil (Valvoline SynPower 5W-30, FL820s)
3/18/18	254,985	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower HM 5W-30, FL820s)
3/23/18	255,202	Reinstall summer tires (rotated); Winter tires stacked as pulled:

A few weeks after I put the summer tires on the 96, some jackoff in a delivery van plowed into it on the road as I was coming to a stop in a 25 zone and totalled it. I used the settlement to get the 98 I have now.

Approx. Date	Approx. Mileage	Description
Unknown	Unknown	By previous owners: New front air springs (Westar) By previous owners: Repair/reinforce blend door By previous owners: New RF tire (??) By previous owners: Remote starter install and disabling By previous owners: DI/DO mid-mount resonator By previous owners: Vehicle undercoating
04/13/18	130,300	Vehicle Purchase
4/19/18	130,850	Oil change (Valvoline MaxLife 5W-30 Blend, FL820s) Recharge A/C
4/26/18	131,350	Replace idler/tensioner pulleys (Gates) Replace serpentine belt (Motorcraft) Replace F brake rotors and pads (Motorcraft/Bendix Ceramic) Replace F sway bar endlinks (Moog)
4/27/18	131,450	Replace L window/lock switches
5/14/18	132,580	Replace rear air springs (R Westar, L Arnott; new O rings sealed with dielectric grease) Replace rear brake rotors and pads (Motorcraft rotors/Bendix Ceramic pads)
5/17/18	132,820	Replace LF wheel bearing (Timken) Replace LF brake rotor (Motorcraft)
5/22/18	133,000	Replace RF wheel bearing (Timken) Replace wiper transmission (pull from 98 donor)
5/23/18	133,100	Replace L air bag solenoid (’96 Donor)
7/2/18	135,200	Change oil (Valvoline MaxLife FS 5W30, FL820s)
8/22/18	138,450	Replace F upper control arms (Moog) Clean MAF sensor
9/23/18	140,000	Change oil (Valvoline MaxLife FS 5W30, FL820s)
9/26/18	140,250	Replace air suspension dryer (Cardone) Clean/lubricate suspension compressor vent solenoid
11/5/18	141,700	Replace radiator (Silla bought and installed into T-bird in 4/2010, with 39,000 previous miles when removed)
11/9/18	142,000	Install winter tires (24,000 previous miles)
1/1/19	145,000	Replace rear neon ballast (aftermarket/Glitch) Change oil (Valvoline MaxLife FS 5W30/FL820s) Rotate tires
1/27/19	146,500	Replace ignition coils (Denso)
4/9/19	150,000	Install summer tires Change oil (Valvoline SynPower Blend 5W30, FL820s) Transmission J-mod (mild) Replace transmission filter (Motorcraft) Change transmission fluid (Motorcraft Mercon V)
4/12/19	150,250	Replace F wheel bearings (Timken/warranty)
5/1/19	151,750	Replace sway bar endlinks (Moog) Replace RF wheel bearing (Moog)
6/6/19	154,290	Replace R strut rod bushings at control arm (Motorcraft)
6/15/19	155,000	Change oil (Mobil 1 HM FS, FL820s) Rotate tires
7/8/19	156,000	Free air suspension vent and lubricate w/ WD40 Recharge A/C
8/2019	15x,000	Replace A/C discharge line (Omega)
8/14/19	159,250	Replace air suspension compressor (Arnott)
11/10/19	164,500	Replace RF air bag solenoid O-rings, 15x2mm, w/ Nylog Install winter tires (rotated)
11/19	165,000	Change oil (Valvoline MaxLife HM 5W30, FL820s)
2/19/20	170,000	Replace front air springs (Motorcraft used) Change oil (Valvoline MaxLife HM 5W30, FL820s) Rotate tires
3/16/20	171,200	Install summer tires
6/29/20	174,500	Replace A/C clutch pulley/bearing/hub (Motorcraft)
7/6/20	175,000	Change oil (Valvoline MaxLife FS HM 5W30, FL820s) Rotate tires
8/2-15/20	175,400	Corrosion treatment/rocker repair (Chill’s Body Shop)
9/7/2020	176,700	Replace LF air spring/shock (98 OEM takeoff)
10/26/20	178,900	Replace LR brake lamp bulb (Sylvania 3457)
11/1/20	179,100	Repair L heated seat elements
11/27/20	179,800	Replace L wheel bearing (Moog) Install winter tires
11/29/20	179,900	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower HM 5W30, FL820s) Change transmission fluid (Motorcraft Mercon V)
12/4/20	180,000	Replace front shocks/air springs (Shock*Masters ebay)
3/22/21	184,100	Install summer tires (rotated)
4/20/21	185,000	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower HM 5W30, FL820s) Replace serpentine belt (Gates)
9/15/21	190,000	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower HM 5W30, FL820s) Rotate tires Replace LR shock mount (OEM ’98 Base donor w/ 60K) Replace LF caliper bracket (OEM ’96 donor)
11/29/21	191,300	Install winter tires
12/21	192,000	Replace winter tires (General Altimax Arctic 12)
1/17/22	192,900	Replace battery (EverStart Max)
2/2/22	193,500	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower HM FS 5W30, Fram 20K/1Y filter) Change coolant (SuperTech 50/50) Replace oil filter adapter gasket (Fel-pro)
3/30/22	195,000	Install summer tires Flush PS system (Mercon V ATF)
5/4/22	196,100	Replace RH front caliper bracket and slide pins (Cardone/Dorman)
9/9/22	199,750	Change oil (Mobil-1 HM FS 5W-30, FL820s) Rotate tires Replace PS pump (from previous ’96 FN10, 186.5k) Replace F sway bar bushings (Moog)
9/25/22	200,150	Replace PS pump (new Motorcraft)
9/28/22	200,300	Replace alternator (new Remy)
10/10/22	200,400	Replace F rotors (Raybestos) Replace F pads (Bendix Ceramic)
11/29/22	202,663	Install winter tires (rotated)
2/16/23	205,000	Rotate tires Free and grease LR caliper slide pins Change oil (Valvoline SynPower HM 5W30, FL820s)
3/21/23	206,000	Install summer tires (not rotated) Winter tires stacked as pulled – do not rotate.
7/14/23	208,000	Rebuild transmission (Ron’s Transmission) Replace transmission fluid
8/28/23	210,000	Rotate tires Change oil (Valvoline 5W30 FM HM, FL820s) Free stuck/clean/lubricate all caliper slide pins and pads
11/27/23	211,900	Install winter tires

As you can probably see, buying any used car comes with its own unique set of issues that will creep to the surface over a few years. If you stay diligent with all the built-up maintenance needs of a 25+ year old vehicle and don't let stuff go for too long before it gets addressed, eventually these cars become extremely reliable.

It's clear from glancing through my own records that the bulk of the work on these cars is 1) fluid changes and tire rotations, 2) brakes, batteries and tires, 3) suspension components (ball joints, bushings). The 98 still has air suspension, but for the last 4 years I haven't had to touch it. Obviously an MN12 or a coil converted FN10 won't have those issues. The engines need very little service beyond wear items like idler pulleys, alternator bearings, serpentine belts etc. and if you address the transmission with the J-mod early enough, it can last 150-200k with regular fluid changes and a good cooler.

 

[Jamie]

That's great info! As I said, my annual mileage probably wont be over 3K. My plan is to learn all I can, then find the car I want with low miles, take it in and have everything replaced that isn't within factory specs and then drive it. I imagine I will do like I do my bike and the one car I had long ago...once a year, a complete physical exam, replace, refresh, renew anything and everything not within specs. That process has worked for me for 55 years and I see no need to change it.....that being said...Murphy DOES live...shit DOES happen...and there ain't a damn thing you can do about it but deal....but you don't have to make it easy on Murphy by any means by thinking all is well and not knowing it isn't. Thanks for the info!

 

[Jamie]

IMO the biggest weak point for MN12s is the front end. They wear out quick and parts are getting hard to find. Mileage doesn't really matter in that regard. After a decade or even less the front end will be due for a total looking over and need servicing in some way. If you don't do the work yourself the bill for a shop to fix it will get expensive quick.

IMO the biggest weak point for MN12s is the front end. They wear out quick and parts are getting hard to find. Mileage doesn't really matter in that regard. After a decade or even less the front end will be due for a total looking over and need servicing in some way. If you don't do the work yourself the bill for a shop to fix it will get expensive quick.

When I bought my Cougar I drove it for the first few years as a daily driver, it's a weekend car now and is at 86,000 miles. Back when it was my main car it was very reliable. When I got it, it basically just needed front end work - ball joints, control arms, a front bearing. I had to replace the EVAP system sensors and a few vac lines after a year. It had a no start issue once, but that was just the common bad connection at the crank sensor. Otherwise nothing major was needed.

When I bought my Cougar I drove it for the first few years as a daily driver, it's a weekend car now and is at 86,000 miles. Back when it was my main car it was very reliable. When I got it, it basically just needed front end work - ball joints, control arms, a front bearing. I had to replace the EVAP system sensors and a few vac lines after a year. It had a no start issue once, but that was just the common bad connection at the crank sensor. Otherwise nothing major was needed.

When you say that the front end parts are hard to find....little confused with that....can you explain further....looking at the MOOG site, they seem to be all there...Am I missing something?

 

[theterminator93]

I guess to elaborate based on my impression, GOOD parts are getting harder to find. Back in the day the only ball joints that you could buy that were any good (last 100k+) were the OEM parts made by Motorcraft/TRW and Moog's parts were a close 2nd. Since then, TRW/Motorcraft parts are NOS only, and Moog has diluted their branding and product lines in such a way that quality has taken a nosedive. They are notorious for parts blending: you can order two of the same thing and get completely different parts in the same box. You can exchange one of them and hope to get another that matches the one you kept (you'd think it's a 50/50 shot)... but then you get a third version of that part!

After Moog got on the "shady parts list" for the mix-and-match antics, Raybestos Advanced Technology was the brand to get. As with TRW they are NOS only now too; at last glance they still make their "R Line" and "Professional Grade" parts but they are are service grade junk that might last 10,000 or 20,000 miles.

About all that's left for consistency is Mevotech and Dorman. Dorman was never considered a desirable manufacturer of suspension components back in the day, but from what I've read their quality is more consistent than anyone else these days.

Think of it this way: if TRW's quality was 100% and Moog's was 95%, Raybestos AT might have been 90% with Dorman and Mevotech coming in at maybe 75% with R-line and Professional Grade Raybestos products at 30% (these are my own made-up numbers). Since TRW and Raybestos AT parts are gone and Moog is no good anymore our best bet is to go with the 75% of TRW quality stuff. Scooping up the bottom of the barrel, you could consider those Ebay suspension rebuilt kits a paltry 5 or 10%.

Hope that bonkers analogy makes sense.

 

[Jamie]

Ok. that a great analysis of suppliers! Thanks! I get it!

 

[Kidd-7]

One thing that threw me for a loop and required a tow was the heater nipple on the intake manifold. Oh and the nipple on the radiator. Both are plastic and had basically disintegrated over time breaking free and spraying antifreeze all over.
First the heater hose split, was able to cut the split out clamp it back down and limp to a gas station buying a case of water to fill the radiator and make it home.
About a month out so later the radiator nipple let loose, tow.
A month out so later the heater nipple let loose another tow, that required a new intake manifold.
Those were~ 120k miles and 26 years old on a 96 v8 cougar that’s still my daily driver.

 

[Grog6]

When you do anything around the cooling system, you have to be gentle. The manifold plastic cracks easily. I broke the origninal doing 5k shifts, lol. I always cut the lines off, by slitting the sides. That way, you aren't tugging hard on a fragile fitting.

 

[Kenz]

When you say that the front end parts are hard to find....little confused with that....can you explain further....looking at the MOOG site, they seem to be all there...Am I missing something?

Two that I can think of quickly are the front shocks and strut rod bushings.
The only front shocks made anymore are junk. Even OEM Motorcraft brand front shocks are just relabeled Monroe's. All the aftermarket strut rod bushings are made of incorrect materials and will fail in short order, the correct Motorcraft are discontinued. IIRC SCP sells bushings that work, but they cost.

 

[Kenz]

When you do anything around the cooling system, you have to be gentle. The manifold plastic cracks easily. I broke the origninal doing 5k shifts, lol. I always cut the lines off, by slitting the sides. That way, you aren't tugging hard on a fragile fitting.

My OEM heater hose ruptured at 6K when grabbing second.

I recommend adding "replace heater hoses" to the list.

 

[XR7-4.6]

Two that I can think of quickly are the front shocks and strut rod bushings.
The only front shocks made anymore are junk. Even OEM Motorcraft brand front shocks are just relabeled Monroe's. All the aftermarket strut rod bushings are made of incorrect materials and will fail in short order, the correct Motorcraft are discontinued. IIRC SCP sells bushings that work, but they cost.

FWIW the 1961 Continental polys have been holding up great on mine, those are the same as the ones SCP parks up 4x from energy suspension.

Obviously we all have our theories but mine is it’s the design more than the materials. The conti bushings are essentially solid pucks, identical other than one end having a lip that goes through the frame(I use that as the front bushing). The stock bushings are designed to interlock, the front end being a cone shape that receives the lip of the rear bushing. Under hard braking that cone shape one expands outward and if the material is too stiff it cracks apart, poly/thermoplastic is less flexible so those notoriously fail. The other component that only the OEM bushings have is a steel collar at the base of the front cone bushing, which is there to limit that outward expansion under load, preventing it from being squeezed to the point of failure. I think the bad thermos would even benefit from burning off and recycling that piece from the stock bushings.

Material, meh, poly/thermo isn’t ideal but these are literally the only cars you ever hear about strut rod BUSHING failures on. Ford and Chrysler used strut rod bushings on every RWD car they made made between 1960-1980 and 1957-1989 respectively. People with mustangs et al from that period have had failures of the strut rods themselves due to stiff bushings but rarely the bushings, which are of the simple puck design. MN12s have substantially beefier strut rods than those older cars so that break isn’t much of a worry.

 

[NEURO]

Want to see the T-bird's service history?

Approx. Date	Approx. Mileage	Description
11/2004	80,500	Vehicle purchase Flush automatic transmission Replace front lower ball joints Replace front left upper control arm Oil change
8/2007	90,000	Replace MAF sensor; Ford OE (NAPA remf’d)
6/2008	99,000	Replace right rear shock; NAPA Response Replace serpentine belt (NAPA)
8/2008	101,000	Oil change: Pitt-Penn 10W-30 conventional; Fram PH-2 filter
9/2008	102,000	Replace front brake rotors, pads Replace right rear brake rotor, pads
1/2009	106,000	Replace spark plugs; Autolite Platinum AP764 Sea Foam treatment thru gas tank and plenum Replace LR caliper; Ford OE (NAPA remf’d)
1/2009	106,500	Replace headlight bulbs; 3850K Halogen
1/2009	106,750	Replace four tires; Firehawk Indy 500 (215/70)
2/2009	107,000	Left door lock cylinder repaired Power antenna repaired
2/2009	107,250	Replace rear shocks; Monroe SensaTrac Replace front shocks/springs; Monroe Quick Strut (SensaTrac) Replace front right upper control arm/ball joint; Dorman
3/2009	108,250	Clean MAF sensor Replace air filter; Fram Oil change; Motorcraft 5W-30 synthetic blend; Fram PH-2 filter Replace spark plug wires; ACDelco Platinum Sea Foam treatment; thru gas tank and plenum
3/2009	108,500	Replace idler pulley; ACDelco Replace belt tensioner pulley; ACDelco
3/2009	109,000	Coolant system flush; Super Tech 50/50 Right door lock cylinder repaired Left door handle repaired
4/2009	109,250	Rear brake lines flushed; DOT-3
4/2009	109,500	Right door lock actuator replacement; Ford OE Automatic transmission fluid change; Valvoline MaxATF Rear differential fluid change; 80W-90 Power Steering system flush; Prestone P/S fluid
4/2009	109,750	Fog lamp installation Keyless entry remote programming New A/C low cycling switch (Santech) New Visteon A/C compressor Flush A/C lines/condenser/evaporator Replace A/C muffler line (used OEM)
5/2009	110,250	Replace RF brake rotor/pads, NAPA
5/2009	110,500	Rotate tires
5/2009	111,000	Replace LF wheel bearing (Timken)
6/2009	111,500	Replace Front sway bar endlinks (Motorcraft)
7/2009	112,000	RF rotor turned (warped) PI Intake manifold swap J-mod (mild; 1-2 springs in, 2-3 out) New trans. filter; Motorcraft, 1-2 & 2-3 accumulator pistons upgraded; Motorcraft
7/2009	112,500	EEC tuning for 93 octane fuel; Lonnie Doll 80mm ‘02 Mustang GT MAF sensor upgrade Replace LF UCA; Motorcraft Replace fuel filter; AutoZone
8/2009	112,750	Replace RF rotor; NAPA/Raybestos Tires balanced, rotated Replace alternator (from ’02 4.6 Explorer w/ 60,000 miles); new volt. regulator, 10% larger pulley
8/2009	113,000	Auxiliary transmission cooler install; B&M 70264 (post stock cooler; inline)
8/2009	113,500	Oil change; Valvoline MaxLife synthetic 5W30; Motorcraft 820S filter
10/2009	115,000	Tire rotation PI cam swap
10/2009	115,250	Replace original alternator, new volt. Regulator, new bearings, stock pulley
10/2009	115,250	LF rotor, brake pads replaced, NAPA
10/2009	115,500	HID projector headlight retrofit, 6000k
11/2009	115,750	Front O2 sensors replaced (Denso)
1/2010	118,000	New water pump, Spectra Premium
2/2010	118,750	PBR dual piston front caliper upgrade/line flush, Raybestos Advanced Technology ceramic pads, Raybestos Advanced Technology rotors
3/2010	120,000	Tire rotation Kenwood KDC-MP345U Head Unit install 4x Boston Acoustics S-85 Speakers install JVC KS-AX3002 amplifier install, bridged to sub Panasonic SB-W740 subwoofer install Replace A/C compressor clutch/pulley; NAPA
4/2010	120,500	Replace Radiator; Silla Oil change; Valvoline SynPower synthetic 10W30; Motorcraft 820S filter
4/2010	120,750	Dante replica Cobra R 17x9” rims, Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval 255/45 (summer tires) installed McGard locking lugs, code ------------------------ Power steering pump replaced, Motorcraft Rear brake lines replaced (splice at ½ point near frame rail/double flare fittings)
5/2010	122,000	Add oil; ½ Qt. Valvoline SynPower 10W30
10/2010	124,500	Replace drive shaft (’93 Mark VIII one-piece aluminum) Replace right halfshaft seal (Timken) POR-15 underbody paint application 2-1/2” mandrel bent dual exhaust install, Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers, Thunderbolt spun cats (Mandrel Exhaust Systems (TruBendz Technology))
12/2010	125,250	Drive shaft balanced (Henderson Drive Line/Axle) 3.73 traction-lok gears installed (New halfshaft seals – Timken, resealed rear cover, FRPP gears, Valvoline SynPower 75w-90 synthetic gear oil) 21-tooth speedometer gear installed
1/2011	125,250	Repair power antenna Install muffler tips, general exhaust install touch-up Replace EVAP system vacuum lines; purge flow sensor (BWD CP509)
2/2011	125,250	Oil Change (Valvoline SynPower 10W-30, Motorcraft FL-820S)
2/2011	125,250	Repair A/C recirculated/fresh air blend door
3/2011	125,250	Replace battery (850 CCA Autocraft Gold)
3/2011	125,500	Replace wiper arms (Michelin Stealth) Replace battery tray (Used OEM) Scangauge Plus installation
4/2011	125,500	Replace lower control arms (TRW) Replace strut rod bushings/control arm side (Motorcraft) Replace RF ABS sensor Repair HVAC inlet seal Wheel alignment (Firestone)
7/2011	127,500	Kenwood KDC-X595 head unit install
9/2011	128,250	Replace Multi-Function Switch (Motorcraft)
9/2011	128,750	Torque Converter Install (02 Mustang GT 11.25” OE; pink dot)
11/11/2011-3/6/2012	130,000	Body/rust repair, fresh paint (PPG 2 stage E9 Laser Red); Ed’s Auto Reconditioning Replacement LH door handle (Ford OE) Replacement RH door (1996 T-bird) Replacement RH fender (Mill Supply) Replace rusted/damaged sections of R/L rocker panels (Mill Supply) Replace Door lock, ignition lock cylinders (Ford OE, key code -----------) Upgrade fuel pump (Walbro 190 lph)
3/2012	130,000	Stereo Amplifier install (Sound Ordnance M-4075) Fold down rear seat back install (90 XR7) Modified instrument cluster install (stock w/ 97 Taurus SHO speedometer & Tach; SHO faces, rewired/repinned) Replace Serpentine Belt (Goodyear Gatorback)
3/2012	130,250	Underdrive Pulley installation (Steeda) Replace Water Pump (Motorcraft closed vane design) Oil change (Valvoline SynPower 5W-30, Purolator filter) Coolant System Flush (Prestone flush) New Coolant (Peak/Super Tech 50/50)
4/2012	130,250	Grind away/paint over floor pan, seat tracks rust (RustOleum hammered finish black) Shampoo interior carpet/upholstery New wheel lock nut
4/2012	130,500	Air filter cleaned/re-oiled
4/2012	131,000	Torque Converter Install (DirtyDog Performance 10” 3500 stall) Transmission Install (DirtyDog Performance rebuilt 2004 Mustang GT 4R70W; 72.5k original miles, new fluid stock ’97 repainted black with severely J-modded valve body) Replace Transmission Cooler lines (3/8” Aluminum) New transmission cooler (tiny, no idea what it is)
4/2012	131,000	Install illuminated cruise switches (95 Mark VIII clock spring, 04 Mach 1 steering wheel, 95 Mark VIII cruise switch faces/electrical, 96 Mustang horn switch/harness, stock air bag) 24#/hr. fuel injectors installed (Bosch type III) Don LaSota Tune programmed
5/2012	131,250	EGR tube replaced
6/2012	132,750	Crank sensor replaced (Motorcraft)
11/2012-3/2013	136,000	Replace heater hoses (Dayco) Replace radiator hoses (Dayco) Replace motor mounts (DEA) Replace oil filter adapter gasket (Fel-pro) Install PI heads (Stage 2 ported, Stage 3 +1mm valves, Nick McKinney @ Modular Head Shop) Install Stage 2P Cams (Bullet Cams) Replace front timing tensioners, guides, chains (Ford) Replace coolant Change oil (Valvoline SynPower 5W-20, FL820s filter) Replace oil drain plug (Motorcraft) Replace oil dipstick tube (Lokar) Replace valve cover gaskets (unknown) Replace shifter trim/indicator Replace IAC valve (Motorcraft) Replace spark plugs (Motorcraft 22C) Replace spark plug wires (Motorcraft 8mm) Install driver side head coolant mod Replace TPS (Motorcraft) Replace EGR vacuum solenoid (SMP) Replace fuel pressure regulator (SMP) Install 30#/hr fuel injectors (Bosch type 3) Install FR500 steering wheel Install new rear tires (Nitto NT555 255/50/17) Install new speedometer gear (Ford 20 tooth) Install illuminated headlight switch/trim (98 Mark VIII OEM donor, Radio Shack relays) Replace RH muffler hanger clamp Install stainless steel exhaust tips Replace EGR valve
5/2013	137,250	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower 5W-30, FL820S) New transmission fluid cooler (B&M 70274) Replace ½ transmission fluid (Valvoline MaxATF)
7/2013	139,000	New subwoofer installed (JL 8W1V2-4 in factory 92-94 JBL enclosure; 14AWG speaker wire)
7/2013	139,500	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower 5W-20, FL820S) Install ported FRPP 70mm Throttle Body (618jerrys) Install ported SN95 plenum (618jerrys) Clean instrument cluster contact terminals
10/2013	141,500	Replace Passenger headlight ballast (autoretrifit/ebay) Replace headlight bulbs (4300k, autoretrofit/ebay) Add oil (1 qt SynPower 10W-30)
3/2014	143,250	Replace battery (AutoCraft Gold – warranty exchange)
3/9/2015	148,250	Change oil (Valvoline 5W-20 synthetic, FL820s)
8/2015	149,500	Replace hood Replace F bumper cover Replace header panel Replace F headlights/reinstall projectors (OEM) Bleed brakes Install seat upholstery (SCP Deluxe leather)
9/23/2015	151,350	Replace spark plugs (Autolite APP103)
12/12/2015	152,850	Replace inner tie rods (Mevotech Supreme) Replace outer tie rods (TRW)
1-3/2016	152,850	Rebuild differential (Henderson Driveline – extra clutches, 80W90 Limited Slip Valvoline Conventional) New front differential bushings (Energy Suspension) New rear knuckle bushings (Energy Suspension) Install braided SS brake hose (RR)
4/12-14/16	152,850	Wheel alignment Install R sway bar links (Moog)
4/18/16	153,000	Replace ambient air temp. sensor (SMP)
2/18/17	155,750	Replace valve cover gaskets and grommets (Fel-Pro)
2/24/17	155,750	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower 5W20 HM, FL820s)
3/2017	155,750	Front brakes replace/upgrade (13” SN95 style, Raybestos Advanced Technology calipers/rotors and reman. Cardone calipers) Remaining SS brake hoses installed
7/16/17	156,900	Switch upstream O2 sensor sides
7/20/17	157,050	Inject grease into both lower ball joint boots
2/20/18	157,231	Replace front lower control arms (TRW/Moog) Bleed master cylinder and brake lines
1-3/22/2018	157,231	Replace transmission (BC Automotive 4R70W: 2007 and 2004 hybrid– 7P direct, 6P forward, with drain plug) Replace torque converter (Circle D 245mm 3C) Flush transmission cooler New transmission fluid Replace 4 O2 sensors (NTK) Replace rear transmission mount (DEA)
5/26/18	158,200	Replace RF rotor (Raybestos AT) Reprogram PCM for 87 octane
6/13/18	158,250	Replace R UCA (Moog) Replace RF wheel bearing (Timken)
9/27/18	159,500	Replace radiator (Fluidyne Custom Aluminum)
3/18/19	159,800	Wheel alignment (Van’s auto service) Tires balanced (Van’s auto service)
3/26/19	160,150	Change oil (Valvoline MaxLife 5W30 blend, FL820s) Replace transmission dipstick O-ring
7/26/19	161,500	Replace rear tires (Nitto NT555 G2 255/50/17)
11/19-7/21/20	162,400	Replace rocker panels and treat corrosion (Chill’s Body Shop) Replace battery (Die Hard Gold)
8/18/20	163,380	Repair LR tire puncture
3/22/21	165,000	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower FS HM 5W30, FL820s)
6/12/21	166,250	Replace LH window regulator gear plugs (Dorman)
8/23/21	167,000	Replace F tires (Nitto NT555G2 255/45/17 – Sylvester)
10/20/21	168,000	Replace LH window regulator gear plugs (Dorman) Repair instrument cluster bezel
11/20/21	168,300	Install long tube headers (Dave Dalke; SN95 MACs modified by “General Zod”) Modify headers for EGR (Dave Dalke) Replace oil pan (OEM donor) Change oil (5W30)
12/5/21	168,500	Replace hood struts (“A-Premium” – Amazon)
3/2022	168,750	Replace valve cover gaskets (Victor Reinz) Replace intake manifold gaskets (Fel-pro) Re-plumb heater hoses (Gates) Change coolant
4/26/22	168,860	Replace spark plug wires (Motorcraft)
8/3/22	169,824	Replace brake light switch (Standard Motor)
1/13/23	171,400	Kenwood KDC-X998 head unit install
11/5/23	175,400	Change oil (Valvoline SynPower HM 5W30, FL820s)

JFC...you're as bad as me when it comes to keeping a detailed record of everything done to our cars.
I even take photos & videos and write up detailed documents on how I repaired/maintained everything I've touched and the tools/sizes used, for future reference. OCD is a wonderful things...sometimes.