I ordered a few sets of MOOG K5161 rear lower conrol arm bushings. I noticed the originals have a nice round center bushing. The new ones are rolled less and not quite round. And check out the odd one with two bushings in the center! I guess they will all work - just another example of lower workmanship in newer products. Oh yes, made in Mexico (except the odd one - USA made). - Bill
I've also seen the Harris Silent-block rubber inserts on some off-brand bushings. Makes me skeptical whether the Moog bushings actually are higher quality.
And it's not as if they are inexpensive to buy either! Amazon = $25.95 a set. RockAuto = $27.79 And those are the best prices!
The new American one doesn't even look like it has the notches cut to fit in the control arm correctly. Not enough metal to cut them yourself either? o No:
I just did a set of fronts on a 442 and they were AC Delco Bushings and they were also Mexico made. Proably the same plant. We are all done if we ever get attacked by a foreign power. We cannot make crap anymore thanks to Nafta and our wonderfull politicians.
I wish more people thought like this. Speaking as a manufacturing guy, I wish there was more "Buy American" in the minds of consumers. Sorry to run the thread off the rails for a moment. Back to your regularly scheduled program. Yes, those bushing look significantly inferior.
