Radius arm bushings
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Radius arm bushings
Hello, I drive a '93 F-150 fwd, this weekend I started to change out the radius arm bushings. Instead of tearing apart the front end to do it, I knocked the rivets out of the rear radius arm bracket, replaced the bushings, and bolted it back together. My question is, do I need to have the front end aligned now, or should it be alright? Haven't driven it yet, still need to bolt the passenger side together. Anybody have any idea? Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 772
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From: Glen Burnie Maryland
Radius arm bushings
By removing the mounts and re-installing them along with new bushings you've changed the effective length of the radius arm slightly.
It would be a good idea to go ahead and get an alignment done if the tires are new or fairly new. If tires are worn you can probably wait till you replace the tires.
HOWEVER! If you drive it and you get some shimmy, wobble or roughness in the front end, get an alignment NOW!
Make sure you install GRADE 8 BOLTS and nuts.
Hope this answers your question.
Larry
It would be a good idea to go ahead and get an alignment done if the tires are new or fairly new. If tires are worn you can probably wait till you replace the tires.
HOWEVER! If you drive it and you get some shimmy, wobble or roughness in the front end, get an alignment NOW!
Make sure you install GRADE 8 BOLTS and nuts.
Hope this answers your question.
Larry
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Radius arm bushings
Hey rclarke, what's wrong with lock washers? I did use grade 8 nuts and bolts, but also used lock washers. Easy enough to change out if I need to, just wondering what's wrong with them. Thanks for the replies.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
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Radius arm bushings
I have seen many lock washers open up, break and fall out. That leaves the bolt very loose. I worked in a Ford dealership for many years and did all suspension repairs during that time. The actual Ford recommended bolts and nuts were grade 8 with forged on washer head and locknuts with forged on washers. I don't know where you could get them since it took me a couple of years to get our parts department to find them.
