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I have an early SVT w/ the 4 bolt LCAs and at 97xxx miles I can't hold alignment, so I am guessing my bushings are shot. How big of a PITA is it to replace these things, I have searched around for the last 30 minutes and found lots of horror stories but not much help.
I have the Ford CD somewhere, I am guessing that it has pretty good instructions. Are there any special tools I will need, as in more than sockets and wrenches...
Also, how badly am I going to get raped if I decide to take this to the mechanic to do, is it worth it?
TIA
Cameron
Cameron
98 Black CSVT #2958
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I remember reading that the easiest way to change these is to jack the car up, remove wheels, separate the LCA's from the ball joint, and then lower the subframe slightly so you have clearance to get the bolts out. Search around, I remember someone posting pics and instructions some point within the past few months ...
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Originally posted by akrump47:
I remember reading that the easiest way to change these is to jack the car up, remove wheels, separate the LCA's from the ball joint, and then lower the subframe slightly so you have clearance to get the bolts out. Search around, I remember someone posting pics and instructions some point within the past few months ...
yes that is the best way of doing it. you will also need to disconnect the steering wheel, other then that it is just the four subframe bolts. also be careful as the condensor is on the subframe and it will hang from the AC lines over the fan, which in turn is only supported by two coat hangers for the radiator
- 95 Mystique LS - Zetec/5spd
- 99 Contour SeVT Sport - Duratec/5spd
Official NE-CEG Contour/Mustang Family
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What do you mean by "won't hold an alignment"?
Is it possible that you have too much negative camber causing inside edge tire wear? You may think camber setting is OK because your alignment mechanic doesn't know better and he usually finds the toe a little off. If so, you may better benefit by installing camber kits.
If you have the alignment readings, post them, and maybe we can help.
If the bushings on the LCS's are shot, it should be obvious, not just a guess because it "won't hold alignment".
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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Let me know if you need the control arms... $105 each 
3.0 14.392@97.237 2.302 60ft
OEM 4-bolt LCA's $105 each
Watch me go
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Word of warning on the subframe drop: My subframe bolts were badly corroded and the nut on the inside of the frame or whatever just spun, which didn't allow us to reconnect the subframe. I ended up limping the car to the shop with the subfram bolt missing and had them git-r-done for me.
I'll be attempting this project in a couple weeks and I'm going to just cut the bolts that are under the tranny.
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Was it the front or the rear subframe nuts that were spinning?
3.0 14.392@97.237 2.302 60ft
OEM 4-bolt LCA's $105 each
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Further to Big Jim's post, a lot of places will do a free inspection. Couldn't hurt to have it looked at. It might not be the control arms.
98 Silver Frost SVT
97 BMW 540I Sport, six speed
"Blue is for sky, black is for soil, and white is for simplicity, purity and hope for the future"
"A coveted car should never stunt your life, but should make it more rich and interesting."
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Originally posted by rkneeshaw3.0:
Word of warning on the subframe drop: My subframe bolts were badly corroded and the nut on the inside of the frame or whatever just spun, which didn't allow us to reconnect the subframe. I ended up limping the car to the shop with the subfram bolt missing and had them git-r-done for me.
I'll be attempting this project in a couple weeks and I'm going to just cut the bolts that are under the tranny.
i mentioned this to my father before we started on his car, lots of pblaster later and some time working the bolt in and out and they came free without issue
note if you are lossening a bolt and it tightens up this means there is dirt in the thread runt he bolt back in and try again after spraying another time with pblaster or the like do this until it comes free and the bolt shouldn't break
- 95 Mystique LS - Zetec/5spd
- 99 Contour SeVT Sport - Duratec/5spd
Official NE-CEG Contour/Mustang Family
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