A common problem on the 740 when doing a front end over haul using the polyurethane bushing set ( "cone bushings") where the diagonal strut rod meets the control arm is that the stock bolt in the suspension is too short to engage the threads once the PU bushings ( they're thicker) are installed. If you happen to be changing your ball joints at the same time, you're in luck. Rather than running to the hardware store for a longer bolt or removing other suspension bolts trying to find a longer one to get things started, just use one of the two bolts that held your old ball joint in place. Perfect fit! Found out, as usual, by accident after screwing around for an hour.

bl

Do the poly bushings feel any different than the rubber?


- Nate

Much improvement in steering response which had gotten on the mushy side. Took me a while to get used to it but I'm glad I did the swap. As noted in the FAQ's concerning the extra length (thickness) of the PU bushings, installing these do move the control arm foward slightly which about has to change at least one front end measurement (camber I think). On this car, the extra length made it dfficult to get the rear (frame) bolt back in. What I did was put the bushing set together with the steel insert in place oriented as it goes in the car. Using a belt sander by rolling the bushing set along it's table, I carefully removed 1/8" from the bushings inner face only (the face that goes against the inside washer) which allows the control arm to remain about where it was and makes inserting the frame bolt easy. This is a lot easier than grunting and groaning with a prybar under the car trying to force the rod forward enough to start the bolt in the hole.

bl

The dots in the road are a little rougher and slightly better steering response. I got used to the difference in a day or two. I would not switch back to the OEM bushings. It has not been long enough to tell on longevity.