"I'm really confused now. I'm posting a screenshot of a video I shot before I tore it apart. This is the driver's side and clearly the stops are not against the washer it's on the other end of the shaft. Unless being a different year makes a difference"
Don't feel like the LONE RANGER ...
With the original photo it is showing something different than what I thought -
This photo is the driver's side (LS)?
If you notice, the front bushing (3068) has no inner washer (3091) to hold it in place on the shaft. It is held in place by the 'ears' being discussed being against the inner metal sleeve on the bushing. So therego, the 'ears' on the shaft will face forward on either side of the car.
The rear bushing is encapsulated by two retaining washers, front and rear. The front bushing uses only one retaining washer in front and the 'ears" at the rear of the front bushing. The bushing inner sleeve failed and allow the bushing to move destroying the actual insulator.
The two bushings (front and rear) are different on the '54.
CORRECTION - The bushing itself is being held on the inner side by the bushing inner sleeve going against the machined stop at the end of the shaft, Those 'ears' purpose must be to try preventing the rubber insulator from moving inwards if the inner sleeve slides/fails.
You can see where in the insulator has been wallowed by the up and down movement of the control arm.
So what I said originally is wrong. This (photo) (OP) is correct. I wish I had the 54 LINC WSM.
Damn I hope the above is understandable. I only went to the 3rd Grade (twice).
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