Fordnatics List Archive

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Mail From: "Theodore A. Chen" <(email redacted)>


having recently acquired a set of rear control arms, i've been trying
to find the bolts for putting them in. i could reuse the ones that
are on the car right now, but since the car will be heading to the
track soon, i'd feel more comfortable replacing them. i have tried
several ford dealers and come up with nothing. the parts guy at
fremont ford (an SVO dealer) said they didn't even have a part number
for the bolts. he showed me his computer screen which displayed the
various parts of the rear suspension, and sure enough, there was no
part number for the bolts. he said they just reuse them and that
they've never had any of them break.

he then suggested that i try a hardware store. just to see, i went
to Pep Boys and found the bolts i needed (M12, 1.75 x 110, grade 10.9).
but then i asked myself which ones i would rather have in my car,
the ford grade 8.8 bolts already in there, or the grade 10.9 bolts of
uncertain origin?

i'm concerned about getting counterfeit bolts and losing my rear
suspension at the track, so i'd appreciate any help i can get in
finding some bolts.

do the ford bolts really exist as parts?

-teddy

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: (email redacted) (Scott Griffith, Sun Microsystems Lumpyware)

On May 23, Teddy Chen wrote:

>
> having recently acquired a set of rear control arms, i've been trying
> to find the bolts for putting them in... i have tried
> several ford dealers and come up with nothing. the parts guy at
> fremont ford (an SVO dealer) said they didn't even have a part number
> for the bolts. he showed me his computer screen which displayed the
> various parts of the rear suspension, and sure enough, there was no
> part number for the bolts. he said they just reuse them and that
> they've never had any of them break.

Your dealer parts person is, unfortunately, somewhat less than
competent. Damned shame, isn't it. I just got a complete set of
replacement suspension hardware a while back. They are serviced, they
do have part numbers, they are available, they are in the microfiche
and the online listings. The part number for the longer of the two
(the front bolt) is N800933-S100. I'm reading it off the Genuine Ford
Service Parts envelope that my track spares live in...

Unfortunately, I don't have access to the list of numbers right now,
or I'd just post the numbers of _all_ the suspension fasteners. Keep
after your dealer parts guy. Or better yet, go see Tom Broskie at
Swanson Ford in Los Gatos, who will be able to locate them for you.
He's a fellow SAAC member, and is one of the best parts counter guys
you'll ever come to know. Folks like that are a resource to be
treasured.

The lower control arm bolts are pretty highly stressed, and staying
with the OEM Ford parts is a good idea. The only aftermarket parts I
would use there would be the next-size-up AN airframe bolts (the
stockers are 12mmx1.5), but that would require significant rework to
use. Fresh fasteners are a wise investment here, especially as elderly
(and I mean that in a _good_ way) as your car is...

-skod

- --
Scott Griffith, Sun Microsystems Lumpyware
Nor Cal SAAC/Green Flag Driving Association driving instructor
(and driver, of anything that turns both right and left,
and can pass tech...) Return Path : (email redacted)