Why poly? They are designed for rubber?

 

They are likely telling you to install the washers backwards because poly bushings are not a good idea for strut ruds. The poly bushing don't give enough which can cause the strut rod to bend or break.

I would highly recommend you ditch the poly bushings and install rubber strut rod bushings.

 

They are likely telling you to install the washers backwards because poly bushings are not a good idea for strut ruds.

I have some old installations papers from a poly bushing set and in very big letters it says "install the washers backwards" and also have a picture showing that the washers have to be put on backwards.

I think most of the problem with broken struts using poly bushings, is that people mount them wrong. I know a guy who have done some testing and measured the bushing stiffness. I dont have his numbers but I think you needed like 4 or 5 times the force to move the strut the same distance up or down with poly and washers placed like stock vs new rubber. With the washers backwards there was very little difference in stiffness up/down poly vs rubber.

Even the Moog ( k8122) rubber bushings are designed to have the washers backwards. Thats was i have on my car.

Just see Shawns broken strut picture.... the washers are mounted wrong!!

My poly bushing papers dont show a torque number but it big letters say "tighten until snug" and warns about overtightening the bushing. It also says that it can require some slight trimming (sand or file) of the bushing on 64-66 cars.

 

I wouldn't use poly in this location. You are looking for trouble.
That is my experience. I have actual background with dealing
with the aftermath of using poly in this location and the resulting
strut rod failure AND the near lawsuit......

ex-Global West GM
1991-1995

 

Yeah I'm heading out to try to find some rubber ones locally. My whole reason for contacting mustangsplus was to try to cover my *ss but seeing as if something where to go wrong it would probably cost much more than another set of bushings I'm just swapping for rubber. Any opinions on one rubber one poly or is rubber all around thebest bet? Also when reinstalling front end suspension what parts should be torqued under a load and which can be torqued while on jack stands?

 

Use the Moog steel-lined rubber bushings and call it a day.
(unless you happen to be racing and need to upgrade to aftermarket
strut rods)

ex-Global West GM
1991-1995

 

IMO poly is a perfect example of State Fair sales. Anything other than OEM must be better!

In most cases engineering did in fact have good reason for the design!

 

I used poly for several years, and recently changed to a bearing design I built, and wow, what a difference! The suspension moves so much more freely and responsive without all the squeeks and groans. The poly was so stiff - the strut rods were probably acting like torsion bars at that point. I have heard a poly in front and rubber in rear is a good way to get good performance but allowing up and down movement.

 

yep, these are the strut rods you want to use;

Opentracker Racing Products - Adjustable Strut Rods

 

Moog K8122, if you've for a 65/66.

ex-Global West GM
1991-1995

 

I've spoken to many owners where this has happened:

Use rubber or our Adjustable Strut Rods.

 

This is good to know. I have poly now but will be changing back to rubber right away. Will changing them affect the alignment now? Thanks

 

Just installed poly from Mustang Plus. Disappointed as no instructions provided. Glad to catch these posts before I have torqued everything down. Will reverse my washers.

 

Just remember I wanted to ask about using white grease that was supplied with sway bar. Should I use this grease between my strut rod bushings as well?

 

I've got the Street or Track in mine for every reason listed above.

 

The last broken strut situation I dealt with was with poly and
the washers were on "correctly."
Failure occurred in the parking lot, in reverse, going over a
speed bump. Of all the failures, it was the only one that was
mundane. Not much bad happened at 2 mph.....
Not everyone is so fortunate.
May nothing catastrophic happen to you. See quote #2 below.

ex-Global West GM
1991-1995