[Shotimes] Replaced much of front end... still get **CRUNCH**

[Ron Porter]

If you just do two at a time, it doesn't change the subframe positioning,
nor the alignment. I did the rears, then the fronts (when I was swapping the
AL SFBs from the '95 to the '94).

And the recall kit is worth getting, as the nut is much more substantial
than the original factory nut, plus having the rubber grommets over the nuts
in the floorpan is quite handy!

Ron Porter

-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net [mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of John J. Weidenbenner
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 10:20 AM
To: Shotimes@autox.team.net; sho @ crued.net
Subject: Re: [Shotimes] Replaced much of front end... still get **CRUNCH**


It's simple. Support the front of the car on jackstands at the front jack
points. Remove the 2 big nuts attaching the steering rack to the subframe.
The rack should stay up in position so the steering colunm shaft don't get
pulled out of the rack. Loosen all 4 bushing bolts, but don't remove
completely. The subframe with engine/trans/suspension will loosely hang by
the 4 bolts. For safety sake place extra jackstands under the subframe. This
gives the subframe enough movement to replace  one bushing at a time. Note
support the subframe with a floor jack front or rear -  where you are
replacing the bushing. change all four bushings and align the subframe to
frame. A 3/8" extention is used to push the frame back to where it was. Note
subframe location before disturbing it. You'll know if it's back in the
original place if the steering wheel is oriented as before when driving down
the road. No need for alignment, unless you already need one. Torque the
fasteners as recommended. Chiltons Taurus repair manual has the specs. You
should have this manual or Ford Helm manual for any servicing/repairs. About
$20 at Autozone, etc.

I installed police bushings years ago. I couldn't tell the difference in
material, using my thumbnail durometer tester ;-), but they were much
tighter than the orignal atx 30k mile worn bushings. Some have used Gen III
bushings, but I have no experience with this. There's aluminum bushings too,
but many don't like the vibration transitted. Other suspension mods & tires
seem to cause the AL bushings to be too harsh for some tastes. It's a matter
of trade off and personal taste.

It's also a good time to replace the front sway bar to subframe mounts when
the subframe is lowered --- which could also be a source of your noise.

Check with SHOnut for parts, including two recall kits for the subframe
bolts.

Warning --- be safe. I always have extra jackstands under the subframe when
working on the mounts. Never trust a floor jack.

John W.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "sho @ crued.net" <sho@crued.net>
To: "John J. Weidenbenner" <johnjweid@charter.net>
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 8:37 AM
Subject: RE: [Shotimes] Replaced much of front end... still get **CRUNCH**


> That's a good idea....  Anybody have a how to, or can explain, how to
> replace them?
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: John J. Weidenbenner [mailto:johnjweid@charter.net]
> > Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 8:30 AM
> > To: sho @ crued.net; shotimes@autox.team.net
> > Subject: Re: [Shotimes] Replaced much of front end... still get
> > **CRUNCH**
> >
> >
> > Check your subframe mount bushings.
> >
> > John W.
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "sho @ crued.net" <sho@crued.net>
> > To: <shotimes@autox.team.net>
> > Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 8:17 AM
> > Subject: [Shotimes] Replaced much of front end... still get **CRUNCH**
> >
> >
> > > I've replaced just about every suspension component there is and when
I
> > take
> > > hard turns (made worse over bumps), I still get this loud
> > *CRUNCH* noise.
> > > Here's what I have replaced
> > >
> > > Front Struts and Strut bearings
> > > Lower control arms (with ball joints)
> > > Both halfshafts
> > > both tierod ends
> > >
> > > I have no idea where to look next.
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Shotimes mailing list
> > > Shotimes@autox.team.net
> > > http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo/shotimes
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