Strut Rod Bushings - OEM vs Aftermarket

I am still in the process of rebuilding the front end on my car as time allows. I just got a Moog strut rod bushing kit. They seem to be installed the opposite of the factory bushings. In addition the washer on the strut arm (the one at furtherest from the nut) is reversed so that the cup faces away from the bushing.

I had my strut rod arms and OEM washers poweder coated, so I would like to use them. Further, the washer furtherest from the nut on my factory strut rod is welded in place by the factoy, I cannot remove it.

Do you think running the Moog bushings oriented as Moog instructs with the OEM washers will cause any issues?

Thanks.

Edited by 72FordGTS - 19-June-2012 at 9:33AM

I've done it before but I don't think the MOOG set is intented to be installed in the factory orientation. It will fit, it does seem much tighter when you are putting the parts together.

I have some photos comparing stock to moog parts.

Here are the Stock vs Moog. Note that Moog has the metal sleeve not included with stock.



Here are the Moog installed with the factory washers oriented the factory way. This is how I want to install them. I don't see a problem with this method.



Here are the factory bushings and washers



Here is how moog wants them installed. Note that the inner washer on my strut arm seems to have been welded so I couldn't remove it.

Yeah, I know it shouldn't be, but it looks like it is. I tried to seperate them when I took the car apart and they won't budge. They were pretty mint to, virtually rust free and nothing was seized. It looks like they are welded. They were sand blasted and still rock solid afterwards. My car is an Oakville built car, not sure if that makes any difference.

Do you think there will be any issues running these bushings like I posted?

Thanks Andy!

I didn't think it would cause a problem. There seems to be as much or more clearance around the bushing and washer compared to the OEM units, and the Moog bushings are FAR stiffer than the OEM ones (although I am sure age is a factor).

Were the inner washers on your car welded in place too? I wonder if that was a 1972 thing...

72FordGTS wrote: I have some photos comparing stock to moog parts. Here are the Stock vs Moog. Note that Moog has the metal sleeve not included with stock. Here are the Moog installed with the factory washers oriented the factory way. This is how I want to install them. I don't see a problem with this method. Here are the factory bushings and washers Here is how moog wants them installed. Note that the inner washer on my strut arm seems to have been welded so I couldn't remove it.

72FordGTS wrote: The part number is K8207.  I am not sure if they are still available as Moog seems to have really reduced their product line since the original post. We have all the Moog part numbers listed here: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/suspension-part-numbers-stock-replacement_topic17118.html

Inkara1 wrote: Rare Parts sells them. https://www.rareparts.com/MNFA689-16337-STRUT-ROD-BUSHING

72FordGTS wrote: Rockauto shows the precision kit is available but out of stock. It cross references to HB1064K which is used by Napa and TRW.  Try doing some searches for that part number too.