The ends of the bushing are now clamped against the k-member and the perimeter of the bushing is pre-loaded in the shell. As a results, the control arm/bushing can't pivot or flex as needed. This is where the majority of complaints of queaks and harshness comes from with poly bushings in the front control arms.
The key to minimizing harshness and elimintating squeaking is to trim the end of the bushings so that the k-member clamps on the sleeve and not the face of each bushing. The end without the flange is the one that is trimmed. I use a hacksaw to trim them. By trimming the bushing, a clearance is provided between the bushing and the k-member (See Fig. 3).
The flange of the front and rear bushings keeps the front arms from moving front-to-rear relative to the k-member. The control arm cannot shift forward because of the flange of the front bushing and it cannot move rearward because of the flange of the rear bushing.
The result of this install technique is no squeaking and a ride that's nearly as smooth as with rubber bushings. I've used this install techique on SVO Mustangs, Fox-Body Mustangs and SN-95 Mustangs with excellent results.
Give it a try! You'll like the results.
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