richmas

Yesterday I noticed a loud clunking noise in the rearend I pulled the tire and identified the problems, but I've heard so many names of this bar it's driving me nuts. Here is a diagram I found. http://img115.imageshack.us/my.php?i...rusrearuf5.jpg The bar I'm speaking of is marked 1 on the diagram, it runs from the knuckle to the frame about under the back passenger seat, they refer to it as a "Tension Strut". I can obviously tell the bushings are shot and that's what's causing my problem, But I'd like to replace the bar to. I found the bushings I think on Autozone.com. They are called Strut Rod Bushing if that's correct, but I have no clue how to find a bar cause i'm not 100% sure what's it's called. I've heard Strut Rod, Tension Rod, Tension Strut, Tension arm. Any info or where I could order this bar or even if these are the right names for the bushings.

tripletdaddy

Looking at my Ford SM, the bar with threaded ends that goes from the bottom of the rear wheel spindle (knuckle, your #2) towards the front to the body frame is called the rear suspension tension strut (your #1), PN - 5A952(it only says "bushing," not the four needed). At each end, there are two rubber bushings sandwiched between two dished washers with the body in the middle, PN - 5A959, and the spindle in the middle, PN - 5K897. Unfortunately, you can't count on the aftermarkets to use the same nomenclature as the manufacturer, so that makes getting what you want the first time harder. Even the dealer parts have different names. The listings call the bushings a rear suspension tie rod bushing and a rear strut body end bushing for the two ends of the same rod!?!

It doesn't sound like you are referring to the rear stabilizer links (your #9, which connects to #5), but the bushings/insulators may be worn. They too could cause a knocking, rattling noise when hitting bumps and holes when worn out. Just thought you may want to rule that out. Of course the dogbone rear suspension arm bushings should be checked too.