GS control arm bushings

[stevesei]

Hello all! I need to replace the front control arm bushings on my 1992 GS. I have found stock replacement bushings from NAPA, but would like to use polyurethane if possible. Various posts and Internet articles give partial (and conflicting) information. I have seen partial solutions at Energy Suspension and SuperPro (SRD seems unavailable), but many of the parts are for early 323s or are generic parts.

Can anyone post a listing of currently available suppliers and part numbers, preferably from a successful personal installation? Any cross reference to interchange from other cars would make the job easier as well.

PS: My rear busings are not a problem today, but the same info for rears would also be helpful and could certainly go into an FAQ.

[onlytrueromeo]

Big suppliers don't make a full kit for mx3's or many mx3 specific poly bushings.

The only way to get them is to adapt generic ones, or fit ones from a 323/protege.


Or, you could have jumped in the group buy we're doing through one of the members on here who is making them himself. I'm 99% it's too late now, but you might be able to get in the next round in 6 months or a year...

[stevesei]

Thanks.
I don't mind adaptations - I have made many myself. I wolud like the most efficient starting point, rather than shooting in the dark.

I saw the group buy by WYTBISHOP, but it is old. I emailed him direct and will let everyone know his reply. If there is another project in the works, a specific reference would help. \

Also, I can't wait six months. My bushings are shot and will wear out a new set of Falken 225/50-15s if I wait. Bummer!

[umcamara]

What about these?

Corksport Bushings

[stevesei]

OK, so far:

1992-1994-1/2 MX-3 Lower Control Arm (LCA) bushings plus shipping and tax:

Corksport (Mazdaspeed), Mx3-3-001, set, OEM style, but stiffer, no details, $149. This is probably the simplest no-hassles upgrade. Shipping quoted @ $14+

NAPA online store, ATM1031361, (2ea@$7.67), ATM1031359, ATM1031360 (R/L@$19.69ea), $56. OEM all the way, but new OEM is probably an upgrade all by itself for a 17yr-old car. <$8 shipping.

SuperPro, SPF0952-80k (2ea@$50), SPF0953-80K (2ea@$47), may also need SPF2415K @$90 ea from Tien, $200-400 WYTBISHOP's old post says that the Protege project had issues, so these may or may-not work. Australia if Tien doesn't have them in stock.

WYTBISHOP group buy, set (2005 price), $100. No feedback on these, but the prototypes looked great on the 2005 post.


At this point, my inclination is to use the OEM stuff, since racing is not a priority. Thoughts?

[onlytrueromeo]

What 2005 post are you talking about? We're still working on the group buy, they havn't been in the works for a full year yet! We all just sent him final payments a couple weeks ago.

[stevesei]

I found the group buy from January, but had no idea of the progress. I may have looked at the wrong date that referred to previous posts. Sorry, and of course I don't have any idea if there is room for additional purchasers, extra sets on order, etc. It would be useful to know those things as well.

[Whisper]

Pretty sure all the orders on the group buy have been placed already, but maybe you can still sneak in.

[wytbishop]

If you emailed me I can't find it.

I am trying to get another guy in on the buy as well. It's up to the vendor at this point. I can't make you any promises but let me know what hardness you would like and if I can get you in I'll get your money later.

[mazdamx3freak]

or you could get Energy Suspension ones for the zx2 and use zx2 C clamps for the fronts.

[nlsolja123]

i have a zx2 and have some front lower control arm bushing left over,,,,b4 i remove my factory mx3 bushing can someone explain what the c clamp you speak of is?

also who is certain this will work? id hate to remove the bushing and not be able to get the new one in due to size.

[IMACHU2]

or you could get Energy Suspension ones for the zx2 and use zx2 C clamps for the fronts.

Wow this is of great interest to me. So you can use Energy Suspension Part #: 4.3152G if you use ZX2 clamps?? Energy lists those control arm bushings for all 97-03 Escorts. So it would appear that all 1997 up Escorts have the same "clamps". The "clamps" therefore could be taken from any 1997-2003 Escort. A plain old Escort would be likely much easier to find (at the wrecker) then a ZX2. The "clamp" we are talking about is the metal part around #13 in the diagram.


I have a question: to 6-94 and from 6-94 MX-3's list a different #13's. I assume if you have Energy Part #: 4.3152G and some 97 up Scort "clamps" you could use these bushings on any year of MX-3?? The control arm is the same, I mean??

Canadian's & Mexican's check out 01-03 ZX2's in the US Wierd LOL
(WE ONLY GOT ZX2'S TO 2000 I had personally never seen a 2003 ZX2...kool!)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Escor ... h_America)

[wytbishop]

The brackets from 06/94 got bigger (the bushing OD is larger IIRC), but the part number for the arm is the same.

[IMACHU2]

The brackets from 06/94 got bigger (the bushing OD is larger IIRC), but the part number for the arm is the same.

You sir, rock!

[wytbishop]

If the ES bushings don't work out I can sell you Wytbushings for the early bracket style and supply the brackets for $60CDN.