The control arms aren't bent- it's just the rubber bushings inside where it connects to the subframe are worn out. Apparently Ford thought it was a great idea to make the bushings impossible to replace, requiring the replacement of the entire control arm with the bushings installed as an assembly.
I got the feeling when I bought the car new that it wasn't meant to be worked on. Its like it was designed to be a disposable transportation module. Once it goes past 120k - that's it - throw it out and don't work on it. Stuff like these control arm bushings (rubber bushings are a normal wear & tear item and should be replaced from time to time), ball joints riveted into place, radiator drain plugs that are almost impossible to get at, an alternator that need to have driveshafts removed just to replace it, the list goes on and on... It's quite clear to me Ford engineers who designed this car never intended anyone to ever repair it. Even changing the oil filter is a hassle on this car.
'96 Contour SE, black / opal grey, MTX, every option, KKM intake, resonator removed, Flowmaster Series 40 DeltaFlow, GoodYear Eagle HP's, 115k miles, new paint 7/01. Driven cross-country 4 times.
'70 Corvette Stingray Coupe, Cortez Silver, 454 bored to 462, Muncie M21, too many mods to list, lots of fun. 335 rwhp / 365 rwtq
'02 Corvette Z06, Electron Blue / Black, every option. Stock for now...
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