Re: [Amc-list] Strut rods

["Dan Strohl" <DStrohl@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

A little update on the strut rods.

First off, Frank, you were right in telling me not to disassemble
everything. I got underneath the car again on Friday, unbolted the strut
rods from the lower control arms and was able to get the two-piece
bushings on the strut rods no problem. I think now that I had my
reassembly process incorrect. 

What I did (with the car on jackstands):
1. bolted on the strut rod bracket
2. slipped on the front half of the bushing
3. slid the strut rod into the bracket
4. bolted the strut rod to the lower control arm
5. discovered that the back half of the bushing wouldn't slide on to the
strut rod

What I should've done (with weight on the front end):
1. steps 1-3 above
2. slipped on the back half of the bushing and started the strut rod
nuts
3. bolted the strut rod to the lower control arm
4. Tightened the nuts at the back of the strut rod
5. Marveled at how simple that was

That done, I tightened the rest of my front suspension and would've
taken my maiden voyage, sans front sheetmetal, had it not been for the
flat tire. It's always something...

I'll make those suggested corrections.

thanks,
dan

 


Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:12:52 -0400
From: Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Amc-list] strut rods
To: amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Message-ID: <48518344.208@xxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

DUH!! I got you confused with someone else too!! Still, same applies,
you just have the better two piece bushings and adjustable strut rods. 

Nice job on the blog! I do have a couple facts for you though...

you have:
"Granted, AMC used GM steering columns starting in the late 1970s or
early 1980s, and AMC used Pontiac and VW/Audi/Porsche four-cylinders
until it had developed its own four-banger, but just about everything
else on an AMC was designed and built specifically for AMC products."

AMC bought what they could buy cheaper than they could make. Mainly
things that took a lot of R&D money but really weren't all that special.
Like steering columns. They bought steering columns from an outside
source since 1960 (Ainsworth shifter column, also used a Douglas
starting in 61 -- could be either from 61-65; started using GM columns
in 65 with the "Adjust-o-Tilt", I believe all were GM starting in 66 or
67). The 2.0L Audi/VW four was used only from 77-79. It was assembled in
the US with some US parts and final machining, but the major castings
came from Germany. Production never got up enough to move the casting
equipment over here -- even a Gremlin was under powered with the 2.0L,
especially with auto trans and AC. In 1980 the GM 2.5L was used until
1984, when AMC introduced their own four (mainly for the XJ Cherokee). 

A few other parts were purchased, but the entire body and engine (except
for electrics and carbs; and those two fours, 84-86 2.8L GM V-6 for the
XJ, and the Packard V-8s used in 55-56 Hudson and Nash cars) were
produced by AMC. Those two things are really what distinguishes one car
make from another, no? 
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