Strut Rod Bushing Help

Less than 200 miles ago i replaced both the front strut rod bushings on my 69 AMX.  I noticed that the rubber was split on both of them when I was bleeding the front brakes after a master cylinder replacement.  The front end was rebuilt about 8-9 years ago when the car was restored and new bushings where installed then(about three thousands miles ago).  I ordered the one piece type from APD last month and replaced them.  I torqued both of them to the torque spec I got out of the TSM.  Since then I have driven the car once when I took it to Musclepalooza, about two hundred miles.  I have since seen the posting that billd put up on the proper  positioning of the washers on either side of the bushing.  I had put them back the original way as shown in the TSM.  Yesterday I looked at them figuring at some point i would change the direction of the front washer based on the new information.  I was quite surprised when I found the left front bushing split badly on the back side (see attached pics).  I did not move the front nut on either rod so as not the effect the alignment, and driving it with the new bushings it still tracks straight.  The only other thing i noticed when I replaced them was the brackets the bushings go through were not tight to the frame, especially the left front one.  I tightened those before i put in the new bushings.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks, Jeff

I have the improved ones on all 4 cars. 2 of the sets have been on the cars since the 1990s when they first came out (originally they were sold as only a Ford part as far as fitment). No issues at all with any of them.

They are quickly selling out of stock as they are older USA made. O'reilly still sells them for $24.99 however, you have to be careful because sometimes they will ship the old stock Moog USA improved design, and sometimes they will ship the china junk newer ones. And they aren't listed for AMC at all. I bought a ton of them when I found out they were old USA Moog improved design in the master pro boxes. Returned the ones that weren't the improved design. Kept a spare set or 2 and gave the rest away to AMC buddies for use as spares.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/masterpro-chassis-4347/suspension---steering-16778/chassis-16549/strut-rod-bushing-kit-12656/strut-rod-bushing-kit/k3090/4499961/1971/american-motors/gremlin




Edited by SportaboutX - Sep/20/2017 at 2:32pm

I had the same rubber issues you have. I use NAPA single piece bushings.

It might be wrong but I turned my washers around (cup holding the rubber) No problems as of yet.

Just my opinion.

Having AMC Fun,
Ollie

I appreciate the input. I still can't believe they're coming apart after less than 200 miles.   Does anyone have the MOOG part #? I can't find it on their online parts book.   And your right, they are a major PITA to change. Especially without a lift.

I've never had any luck with the one-piece bushings. I think they are all old stock -- no telling how old. I converted my 63 Classic to use two piece bushings and am sure glad I did!