Modern type AMC strut bushings

by Tom Jennings, edited by Frank Swygert 01-25-2026

 

Well we (collectively) got what we asked for — cheaper and cheaper auto parts — but we forgot that that meant shittier and shittier quality.

In my entirely modern 1970 Hornet I went through three sets of strut bushings in under six months. In a car with all new parts, completely and thoroughly restored, absolutely straight chassis, aligned and checked by a very good shop (Spence Wheel Alignment, Glendale CA). All adjustments are in mid-range, the camber eccentrics centered, etc. Good Nitto tires of factory-correct size, on trued factory 14″ steel wheels.

(For comparison purposes, take a look at 63, 64 Classic/Ambo strut bushings in various states, in my 1963 Classic.)

The bushing below is I believe Perfect Circle, McQuay-Norris FA685, or AutoZone or NAPA generic equivalent. TOTAL CRAP! These cheap bushings simply collapsed within a few months. They look like the ones installed on the car at the factory, but the rubber has got to be vastly substandard. I did not record the brand name, but I probably got them at AutoZone or NAPA. The cupped washer in the front has squashed the bushing such that it is much wider than the rear bushing (they were originally the same diameter!), and if left long enough will actually push through the center hole. Needless to say as the bushing squashes flat, caster, camber and toe are changing!

I believe the bushing below is NAPA 274-9054, but be warned, NAPA quality is deteriorating, they may substitute a part that looks like the cheap one above, and not the good one shown here — open the box at the store and insist on the good one! It compensates for the spreading tendency of the front bushing by supporting it in a thin steel cup. These work fine. As I tend to, I got a bit fanatical on this research and removed these bushings (I think they are in our 72 Hornet now) in order to test my favorite, the MOOG part.

The MOOG part is unfortunately no longer available. A good replacement is the MasterPro K3090 (available from O-Reilly’s for $33.99, 07-05-2026, shown below). These have steel seats for the rubber bushings which supports them and prevents pushing them through the bushing mounts just like the NAPA part above. They are likely copies of the Moog K3090 parts, the same as the also discontinued Dorman BRK801000PR bushings.

Many have used Mevotech MK8157 bushings (below), but they may now be making them out of polyurethane instead of rubber now. Most sources say rubber, but some have reported ordering that specific number from Amazon and getting polyurethane instead (could be fakes).  I don’t recommend poly strut rod bushings for a street car, they are pretty hard and will lead to a harsh ride. I don’t have any direct experience with the Mevotech bushings — they may be made out of a softer polyurethane compound than most, but even that is harder than typical OEM rubber parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, Frank found an interchange list for MOOG K3090. They have not been checked though! As Tom Jennings reported earlier the McQuay-Norris FA685 is inferior. I wouldn’t use any of the bushings without the support cup. Most of these part numbers are discontinued, but the list may still be helpful.