pics - IS THIS BAD?? - pillow balls loose - rear A-arm end links
 

More supsension restoration stuff.

The control/end links that connect my rear A-arms to the subframe, the pillow balls inside the end links are fairly loose compared to that similar & longer "sublink" that connects the subframe to the body. Are the control/end link pillow balls suppose to be fairly stiff or fairly loose? These are $138.10 for both, so I'd prefer to re-use what I have.

The manual doesn't really say except for the blurb in the picture below. Up to this point the OEM bushings and rear A-arm pillow balls have been in pretty decent condition and not this loose.

http://www.rotarysource.com/showpics...inks_loose.gif

I wonder if you could pick up an aftermarket poly bushing that would fit in there... :confused: I'd bet that'd be a LOT less then cash for Mazda replacements, and prolly have a lot better longevity.

Let me know what you come up with, if anything, as I'm going to be tearing my rear end apart soon, and replacing EVERYTHING that looks worn (TII rear swap, rear steer eliminators, bushings, etc.).

Good luck-

Where abouts do the rear steer eliminators go?

RB/Mazdatrix sells these adjustables, but with OEM size tires there a waist of money.

OEM............................................... ..........RB/Mazdatrix

http://www.mazdatrix.com/pictures/mvc263.jpg http://www.mazdatrix.com/pictures/h-susp/2camblinks.jpg

I don't think you could adapt a series IV swaybar end link to work as the series V rear A-arm control/end links. And you can't mod the pillow balls to work as bushings that I know of.