Cool, thanks for the extra info.

Luckily, they are nice and easy to install.

I did pull a strut rod from a Newer Dodge van in a junk yard, and found it was about 1/8 inch shorter than the one I took out.



I justed used a washer to make them the same length before I had an alignment. Had to cover the washer with Liquid electrical tape to eliminate its clattering over bumps.

My 'wandering' is mostly due to a junky remanufactured steering gear. I've replaced all wearable suspension/steering components, but perhaps the wandering under harder braking is influenced by squishy soft strut rod bushings.

It will be interesting to see the difference. I'm pretty attuned to noises and vibrations and will definitely notice if there is a substantial difference in either.

Will report back.

 

Great - look forward to it!!


And BTW I was wondering why some came with a cotter pin. Makes sense now

 

Energy Suspension SR bushings arrived today.

Fingernail test reveals they are significantly harder than the rubber Moogs.

Have not installed them yet. perhaps tomorrow.

 

same with me concerning the "Master Rides" and the NAPA synthetic...


Much stiffer...


And working good! I like 'em!


Update us later

 

Got the Poly installed today. The Moogs were not looking too good. These 'problem solvers' had a different design. They had a metal ring designed to keep the bushing centered in the frame mount on the front side, the back had that plastic washer and no means to keep it centered from that side.

Unfortunately this slid sideways allowing the strut rod to rest on the frame mount, and that explains the rattling. So this 'problem solver' was actually inducing problems.

I know I did not install them off center. Apparently braking hard in reverse is enough to pull these problem solvers out of alignment and they stay there.

I have not driven it yet. I have pics to come, later.

 

I am 100% sure they were centered when installed. These could not be budged back into center.



Crushed and deformed. The raised portion that goes through the frame bracket is Metal. Apparently braking hard in reverse was enough to pull it off center and there it remained until today.



Have not yet driven it yet with new Poly installed, but I suspect I will be happy, but who knows, it could now pull to one side or the other.

 

Well...


Mine old one looked just like yours...worn exactly the same way.


The bad news --


So I was driving yesterday all happy about my nice stiff suspension.
I drove for a little bit, hit the brakes and clunck....grrrrrrrrrrrr---not again?!?


WTF...So I look at the bushing again and it has moved...


I took it to my local shop and had them put it up on the lift...


We tried to tighten it down more...it was way tight. I did a good job on these...


so what is the problem...


Well my lower control arm bushing is shot. Totally...I could see it when Stu (tech I know) pointed it out to me.


more GRRRRRRR....


So I am getting both done right now for $530...


at least the saga will be over I hope!

 

Dang.

I replaced my control arm bushings 3 years ago.

But seeing as how auto parts these days seemingly are made to fail, I would not be too surprised to find it has shredded itself

 

It is a nice driving van now

 

Very noticeable difference when braking and over bumps. Perhaps a smidge more road noise/vibration input. no change in steering wheel. No pull either way.

Brake calipers still rattle but other noises gone. Satisfied. 6$ well spent.