Stanley
4th Gear Poster
I'm looking for help. With the front suspension sorted and the hub-and-brake swap planned for next month, I'm beginning to plan the next stage of my car rebuild: the rear suspension. The rear seems to be much more of a pain than the front to put together a comprehensive package. As usual, I've found all sorts of information applying to different cars and part setups or recommending parts from businesses and people now unfortunately dead and gone. So I'm making an up-to-date thread to try and sort everything out for my particular usage case.
I'm going to post some parts and hopefully people can give me some feedback on fit (ignore prices: the listings are for part verification only). Like my hub swap thread, I plan to change this from questions to a guide once I've figured everything out.
General Info Thread on Bushings (also available here):
www.tccoa.com
I'll start with rear bushings. Assuming you're adding Mark VIII lower control arms, as best as I can tell you want:
General note: For any polyurethane or delrin bushings, make sure they’re well lubed before install and, if possible, lubeable with grease fittings added. Squeaks are prevalent on these materials without this.
Subframe Bushings - 1 set
UHMW. Comes with new bolts. I believe only SCP does these.
Lower Control Arm Bushings - Mark VIII-specific - 2 sets
Delrin. If you're swapping out your stock T-bird LCAs with Mark VIII LCAs, you need bushings specifically made for the Mark VIII arms. I believe only SCP does these. Note that there is an alternate Delrin set made back in the day by late forum poster DLF (Doug Fraleigh) that eliminated the need for toe compensators, but the SCP set linked above still needs them.
Upper Control Arm Bushings - 2 sets
Rubber. You don't have to use SCP here, but they'll ensure you get the right design, rather than ones that potentially don't work right (which is what the all-caps note in their product description is referring to). A bad aftermarket design has infiltrated the supply channel, as described in this thread: both the correct, original design and the flawed replacement have shown up in the same packaging, under the same part numbers, from multiple brands.
(Despite the specificity on "inner" in the SCP product description, the UCA doesn't have any other bushing: what would be considered the "outer" bushing is actually in the spindle).
Spindle/Knuckle Bushings - 1 set
Polyurethane. Part number 4.3163.
Differential Carrier Bushings - 1 set
Polyurethane. Part number 4.1126.
Sway Bar Bushings - Rear - 1 set
Sway bar sizes vary depending on the year and car subtype, and then there's aftermarket Addco bars which introduce even more variance. Below is a chart (taken from the general info thread linked above) matching front and rear bar sizes to Energy Suspension bushing part numbers (click to enlarge).
As an aside, if you're deciding to upgrade your rear sway bar with an Addco one (see below) and you're buying it new, Addco provides sway bar bushings for your bar size with the bar, plus end links, so you don't need to buy them separately. However, as noted in the general info thread, they're of questionable quality, and so it's better to get a set of Energy Suspension bushings that match your new sway bar and use those instead of what is bundled with the bar. That will require creating both a backing plate and a threaded plate (a nut tacked to flat stock will suffice) for each side to hold these alternate bushings; pictures are available in the general info thread.
Non-bushing bits:
Mark VIII Lower Control Arms
The arms from any year of Mark VIII will do.
Mark VIII Arm Spring Perches - 1 set
Intended to allow a proper mounting of the Mark VIII arms on a non-Mark VIII car. I believe only SCP does these.
Performance Upper Control Arms - 1 set
Lighter and stronger version of the normal UCAs. Also helps with camber alignment on lowered cars. I believe only SCP does these. Not necessary, but nice.
Rear Shock Mounts - 1 set
Any LX Bird needs this type. Super Coupes and the '89-91 XR7 use ARC (automatic ride control) and so require a different type. These are polyurethane; I believe only SCP does these.
Rear Coil Spring Isolator Pads - 2 sets
Part number 61709.
While badged as lower-only and specifically for Mustang Cobras, this works for our cars. You just buy two sets instead of finding a separate upper set, since the spring diameter on our cars is same top and bottom (unlike Mustangs where it reduces at the frame).
Toe Compensators - 2 sets
www.supercoupeperformance.com
Original Ford part number is E9SZ-5A972-A. This was replaced by F7SZ-5A972-AA for 1997 for some reason (but still listed at Ford sites as being compatible with the whole 89-97 Bird/Cougar range); Mevotech's replacement for the F7SZ part is CMS40193, and Dorman's is 522-444.
Rear Sway Bar End Links - 2 sets
Part number k8641.
According to SCP, any non-SC V6 and 4.6L V8 used 5/8"-wide rear end links, while all Super Coupes and 5.0L V8 cars used 3/4"-wide end links. However, Moog only offers a single one-size-fits-all end link for 1989-1997 cars (linked above), with no dimensions given. Not sure who is right here / how this all works.
Rear Sway Bar
The stock rear bars are relatively small, though this varies depending on the year and package. Addco makes a wide variety of increased-size sway bars for our cars, front and back, but Addco themselves only offers the 1 1/4" for the rear on their own website. SCP still offers that one, plus the Addco 1 1/8" and 1 3/8" versions. General consensus is that you don't want to go more than 1 1/4" for the rear sway bar unless you're also increasing the size of the front bar, and even then, a bigger sway bar is going to fight against the nature of your independent suspension. See this thread for an excellent overview of the Addco offerings and the best fits for their user cases:
www.tccoa.com
So, ignoring generic nuts, bolts, washers etc as any mechanic will have those, am I missing anything that I should be getting for a rear suspension rebuild? (I already have newish rear shocks.) Are there any better options than what I've listed in terms of quality, or something odd I may be overlooking? Is anything outright wrong? If it matters, I'm looking at a daily driver rather than a racing machine.
Thanks as always for your time.
I'm going to post some parts and hopefully people can give me some feedback on fit (ignore prices: the listings are for part verification only). Like my hub swap thread, I plan to change this from questions to a guide once I've figured everything out.
General Info Thread on Bushings (also available here):
Recommended Suspension Bushings for MN12's and...
Recommended suspension bushings for MN12’s and FN10’s Written by: Rod Maksimovich (Racecougar) Whether you prefer a smooth, stock ride, or something a bit firmer and performance oriented, after twenty-plus years of service, all of these cars deserve a thorough inspection and possibly...
I'll start with rear bushings. Assuming you're adding Mark VIII lower control arms, as best as I can tell you want:
| BUSHINGS | |||
| Subframe | 4 per side (8 total) | ||
| Lower Control Arm (Mark VIII-specific) | 2 per side (4 total) | ||
| Upper Control Arm | 1 per side (2 total) | ||
| Spindle/Knuckle | 3 per side (6 total) | ||
| Differential Carrier | 1 per side (2 total) | ||
| Sway Bar | 1 per side (2 total) |
General note: For any polyurethane or delrin bushings, make sure they’re well lubed before install and, if possible, lubeable with grease fittings added. Squeaks are prevalent on these materials without this.
Subframe Bushings - 1 set
Rear Subframe Bushing Kit - Premium UHMW WITH Bolts<p>Super Coupe Performance has developed a set of UHMW bushings to upgrade your rear subframe. The kit is a set four upper and four lower mounts and a NEW set of bolts are included as well!</p>
|
Lower Control Arm Bushings - Mark VIII-specific - 2 sets
Rear Delrin Mark VIII Lower Control Arm Bushings (or Tbird/Cougar with Upgraded Mark VIII Arms)...Pair<p>This item is for a pair of bushings for one rear Mark VIII style aluminum lower control arm (LCA). This item is sold "per side" so purchase two if you want a complete set for both sides. This item is designed for all years of Lincoln Mark VIII and '89-97 Tbird/Cougars that have been...
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Upper Control Arm Bushings - 2 sets
Rear Upper Control Arm Bushing - Inner for T-Bird/Cougar/Mark VIII<p>A premium original equipment type replacement bushing for the rear upper control arm. This is the INNER bushing for the upper arm. NOTE: THE INNER PART OF THE BUSHING DOES ROTATES SEPARATE FROM THE OUTSIDE ON THESE LIKE THE ORIGINALS!!</p>
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(Despite the specificity on "inner" in the SCP product description, the UCA doesn't have any other bushing: what would be considered the "outer" bushing is actually in the spindle).
Spindle/Knuckle Bushings - 1 set
4.3163 | Thunderbird | Rear Control Arm Bushing Replacement KitPolyurethane Rear Control Arm Bushing Kit Ford Thunderbird 1989-1997. Lifetime Warranty. In Stock. Upgrade over OE. Ships Immediately. | Energy Suspension 4.3163
www.energysuspensionparts.com
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Differential Carrier Bushings - 1 set
Energy Suspension 4.1126 Differential Carrier Bushing Set | Energy Suspension PartsRear Differential Bushings made by Energy Suspension | 4.1126 Differential Carrier Bushing Set.
www.energysuspensionparts.com
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Sway Bar Bushings - Rear - 1 set
As an aside, if you're deciding to upgrade your rear sway bar with an Addco one (see below) and you're buying it new, Addco provides sway bar bushings for your bar size with the bar, plus end links, so you don't need to buy them separately. However, as noted in the general info thread, they're of questionable quality, and so it's better to get a set of Energy Suspension bushings that match your new sway bar and use those instead of what is bundled with the bar. That will require creating both a backing plate and a threaded plate (a nut tacked to flat stock will suffice) for each side to hold these alternate bushings; pictures are available in the general info thread.
Non-bushing bits:
Mark VIII Lower Control Arms
The arms from any year of Mark VIII will do.
Mark VIII Arm Spring Perches - 1 set
Rear Lower Control Arm Spring Perches for Lightweight Mark VIII Arms<p>This item is for a pair of 6061 T6 light weight aluminum rear spring perches when using the Lincoln Lower Control Arms. Our "hollow/welded" design is incredibly light. </p>
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Performance Upper Control Arms - 1 set
TUBULAR Rear Upper Control Arms - PairSCP continues to develop & manufacture AWESOME suspension parts for the MN12/FN10 chassis. These tubular rear upper arms take your car to the next level!
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Rear Shock Mounts - 1 set
Rear Poly Shock Mount Kit - for non-ARC shocks<p>Super Coupe Performance now offers polyurethane rear shock mount kits for all 1989 - 1997 Thunderbirds and Cougars. Two kits are offered, ARC and non ARC. The 1989-1995 Super Coupe and '89-91 XR7 uses the ARC (automatic ride control) while the other V6 and V8 cars used the standard rear...
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Rear Coil Spring Isolator Pads - 2 sets
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While badged as lower-only and specifically for Mustang Cobras, this works for our cars. You just buy two sets instead of finding a separate upper set, since the spring diameter on our cars is same top and bottom (unlike Mustangs where it reduces at the frame).
Toe Compensators - 2 sets
Rear Suspension Toe Compensator
<p>Don't forget to replace your Toe Compensator when overhauling your rear suspension. These are likely worn out if your car has over 100K miles.</p>
Rear Sway Bar End Links - 2 sets
moog-k8641 | Rear Sway Bar End Link Replacement | 89-97 ThunderbirdRear sway bar end link replacement for 89-97 Ford Thunderbird. OE replacement made by MOOG. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty! In stock! Ships immediately! moog-k8641
www.energysuspensionparts.com
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According to SCP, any non-SC V6 and 4.6L V8 used 5/8"-wide rear end links, while all Super Coupes and 5.0L V8 cars used 3/4"-wide end links. However, Moog only offers a single one-size-fits-all end link for 1989-1997 cars (linked above), with no dimensions given. Not sure who is right here / how this all works.
Rear Sway Bar
The stock rear bars are relatively small, though this varies depending on the year and package. Addco makes a wide variety of increased-size sway bars for our cars, front and back, but Addco themselves only offers the 1 1/4" for the rear on their own website. SCP still offers that one, plus the Addco 1 1/8" and 1 3/8" versions. General consensus is that you don't want to go more than 1 1/4" for the rear sway bar unless you're also increasing the size of the front bar, and even then, a bigger sway bar is going to fight against the nature of your independent suspension. See this thread for an excellent overview of the Addco offerings and the best fits for their user cases:
Addco Rear Sway Bars
ADDCO/TCCoA Performance Anti Sway Bars As of 02-20-02 1989-97 Thunderbirds, Cougars and the 1993-98 Mark VIII Note: All TCCoA 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" bars come in a black powdercoat finish and are only available to current TCCoA members Join the TCCoA These ADDCO/TCCoA kits will fit the...
So, ignoring generic nuts, bolts, washers etc as any mechanic will have those, am I missing anything that I should be getting for a rear suspension rebuild? (I already have newish rear shocks.) Are there any better options than what I've listed in terms of quality, or something odd I may be overlooking? Is anything outright wrong? If it matters, I'm looking at a daily driver rather than a racing machine.
Thanks as always for your time.
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