Front lower control arm bushing/mount--can't find part?

[studio460]

Hey guys!

My 2003 Mercury Marauder's front lower control arm bushings/mounts are worn, and the shop is having trouble finding an after-market replacement part. Parts depots keep sending them the wrong part. I told them they're probably ordering parts for a Grand Marquis, and that they should be looking for the part for a 2003 Crown Victoria P71 Police Interceptor instead (since, apparently, the parts depot's computers are listing the wrong Marauder suspension parts when looking for the bushing for a 2003 Mercury Marauder).

Also, I read in another thread that an entire Moog front lower control arm assembly sells for only about $450. The Ford dealer wants $360 each for the lower control arm bushing mount alone, so I figured the Moog assembly might be the way to go (separate issue: I will also eventually need upper control arm assemblies since the upper ball joints are a bit worn--should I go Moog here also?).

Anyhow, the immediate problem is that I'm having trouble finding a replacement part for the front lower control arm bushing/mount, if that's even what this part is called (photo below). Any ideas? Will post additional photos later. Thanks for any replies!

Here's the part in question:

http://nikoncinematographer.com/images/bushing1.jpg

2003 Mercury Marauder 300B front lower control arm bushing/mount. Part ID? Recommended after-market replacement part no./source?

[Krytin]

Nice to hear from you - just noticed the new screen name.
Not entirely sure he can help but try a PM to Tom at Sparta Performance - site vendor.
Tommy can be helpful w/some OEM Ford parts. If he isn't able to help I believe Ray the Dealer - site member and Ford Parts man may also be able to help.
I have worked w/both and they always came through w/the goods!

[studio460]

Hey there, Krytin! Thanks for your help--will PM Tom. Anyone else have any other after-market suggestions?

[EMAS]

The Napa ones look right.
http://partimages.genpt.com/largeimages/1044894.jpg

http://partimages.genpt.com/largeimages/1012998.jpg


http://napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?A=NCP26 73720_0278319331&An=599001+102003+50046+2046038 +27447&Ar=AND%28P_RecType%3aA%29#larg eProductImageWrapper

[studio460]

EMAS:

Thanks a lot! Those sure look right. The shop ordered bushings from several different Los Angeles-area parts suppliers (not sure which ones), and each part that was delivered had a smaller inside-diameter steel sleeve, inside the rubber bushing, than the existing part. Not sure what the confusion is with those suppliers. The NAPA site is really good and well-organized. These parts are shown clear as day under their suspension section for Mercury Marauders. Will fax this to shop tonight. Thanks, again!

Here's the NAPA part description/numbers for the bushings pictured above:

2003 Mercury Marauder control arm bushing, lower, front suspension:
NAPA part no. : NCP 2673719; NCP 2673720 ($103.99 each)

[RoyLPita]

Nice find. Ford sells them only with the control arm.

Off subject:
Do you have a pics of lower Grand Ave?

[studio460]

Off subject: Do you have a pics of lower Grand Ave?

http://nikoncinematographer.com/images/g3.jpg

http://nikoncinematographer.com/images/g4.jpg

[TAKEDOWN]

Wow wish you take some pics of our MARAUDERs in Chicago! Sorry, back on topic...

[Cobra25]

The ones from NAPA I take it are a exact fit ?

[RoyLPita]

http://nikoncinematographer.com/images/g3.jpg

http://nikoncinematographer.com/images/g4.jpg

Thanx for the pics. :2thumbs:

[rakkar]

The ones from NAPA I take it are a exact fit ?
The Napa bushings don't work. Just ordered them today. The control arm shaft doesn't fit through the bushing insert. It gets to the thread and stops. I guess I will take them to a machine shop and see what they can do. i have tried moog, trw (napa) and raybestos, none of them fit.

[Paul]

I take it no one makes poly replacement inserts?

[gdmjoe]

FYI ...

(2003-7 Crown Victoria) Control Arm Bushing Base, LX, LX Sport
4W1Z-5A486-AB / AA Right / Left
.
Police Model
4W7Z-5A486-AB / AA Right / LeftEach lists for ~$112 and wholesales for ~$80 (or less).

And ... T'is true. The 2003/4 Mercury Marquis/Marauder parts list does not show an available part.
.

[rakkar]

Found a set on Ebay for $49.95 for both. From the picture it looks right. Many thanks for the part number, saved me hundreds!!!

[screamn]

Found a set on Ebay for $49.95 for both. From the picture it looks right. Many thanks for the part number, saved me hundreds!!!

Please let us know if the ones from ebay work!!!!

When the time comes to replace mine, I was just going to purchase the entire lower control arms which cost big bucks.....but will save on labor charges.

I was told by several mechanics that to just replace the old bushings by removing the old ones and pressing in new bushings with rubber or poly ones doesn't last as they will just pop out on their own......

Anyone have experience with the above????

[rakkar]

Will do. If not I will get the Ford ones for the crown vic.

[rakkar]

The ones from ebay worked. They had the stock design, larger oval in front and then smaller oval.

[RF Overlord]

Welcome back, 'shooter...don't be such a stranger! Let us know what you've been doing...

[studio460]

EMAS:
Here's the NAPA part description/numbers for the bushings pictured above:

2003 Mercury Marauder control arm bushing, lower, front suspension:
NAPA part no. : NCP 2673719; NCP 2673720 ($103.99 each)

Really sorry I didn't update this thread as soon as I received the NAPA parts! Apologies all around!!! The NAPA bushings above absolutely DO NOT FIT. Sorry if this mis-information caused anyone any inconvenience.

[studio460]

Found a set on Ebay for $49.95 for both. From the picture it looks right. Many thanks for the part number, saved me hundreds!!!
Which part numbers are the correct ones? The CVPI numbers gdmjoe mentioned (the second set of part numbers)?

[studio460]

Welcome back, 'shooter...don't be such a stranger! Let us know what you've been doing...

Hey, thanks! Yeah . . . lots of "stuff" has happened since 2003!

[studio460]

FYI ...

(2003-7 Crown Victoria) Control Arm Bushing Base, LX, LX Sport
4W1Z-5A486-AB / AA Right / Left
.
Police Model
4W7Z-5A486-AB / AA Right / LeftEach lists for ~$112 and wholesales for ~$80 (or less).


Which ones fit our Marauders' oversized control arm pins? The regular CV or CVPI part numbers?

[rakkar]

Which part numbers are the correct ones? The CVPI numbers gdmjoe mentioned (the second set of part numbers)?

Not sure of the part number on ebay, it was over a year ago. Just do a search for crown vic control arm bushing on ebay motors and match the picture up with the bolt pattern. You can tell by the picture that one side of the bushing is larger than the other. Just stay away from Raybestos, NAPA and such. Go with the generic ones.

[studio460]

Thanks, rakkar!

[studio460]

Well, I just ordered some generic-brand bushings specified for 2003-2004 Crown Victorias (but not for CVPIs, as far as I could tell). I found them on some taxi part place on Ebay. I compared their picture to the NAPA bushing photos (the ones which are too small), and the Ebay bushings did look larger (i.e., less rubber seen around the perimeter of the insert sleeve). Since they're generic, there's no part number whatsoever (note that the "real" Ford part number doesn't even exist as a stand-alone product). I'll confirm if they're the correct ones or not, here, as soon as I receive them, and try 'em on. Thanks for everyone's help!

Almost forgot--the good news? Only $34.95 for the pair!

[MM03MOK]

Welcome back, 'shooter...don't be such a stranger! Let us know what you've been doing...


Hey, thanks! Yeah . . . lots of "stuff" has happened since 2003!

Hey, Ralph! Great to "see" you! Welcome back! We're still going strong here!

[studio460]

Hey, Ralph! Great to "see" you! Welcome back! We're still going strong here!
Thanks, Bunny! It's great to be back! Glad you're all still here!

[studio460]

Yes, apparently these are the correct bushings for our cars. It appears that we need front lower control arm bushings made specifically for 2003-2004 Crown Victorias. I don't know if these were meant for CVPIs, CVs only, or both. Ebay is full of suppliers with this part in stock at super-discount pricing. In contrast, every major "normal" parts supplier specifies the wrong part for our cars. Instead of the $118 each for the wrong NAPA part, get both bushings for under $40 from an Ebay seller.

[Logizyme]

that rear bushing should be simple to replace. the front one is a pain in the ass to press in and out. next time I'll just be replacing the entire arm.

[studio460]

. . . the front one is a pain in the ass to press in and out. next time I'll just be replacing the entire arm.

I bought the front lower control arm steel bushing "mounts" with the rubber bushings already in place for only $34.95 for the pair. They're a breeze to replace. Just four bolts on each--should take five minutes each once the front of the car is on jack-stands. Can't wait to put 'em on this weekend!

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

Does anyone have a part number update for this item?

What is Ford's entire part number for the control arm?


The item is Front Lower Control Arm Bushings.


Thanks,

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

OK here they are: Left: 6W1Z3079AA Right: 6W173078AA Taska COST: $277.17 ($220.79 on rock auto)

Dorman - Right side is 520-196 left: 520-195 $113.79 at Rock auto.

Would anyone know the main difference beside price?

[lifespeed]

OK here they are: Left: 6W1Z3079AA Right: 6W173078AA Taska COST: $277.17

Dorman - Right side is 520-196 left: 520-195 $113.79 at Rock auto.

Would anyone know the main difference beside price?

Aluminum vs steel? Personally I went with the OEM aluminum, no point in making the unsprung weight any heavier than factory.