"Interestingly my interchange catalog lists the upper A arms being the same from 52 through 57.  Moog also shows them using the same bushings."

There are large differences in FORD SERVICE PARTS and aftermarket. Aftermarket tends to allow more 'probably will fit' scenarios than FORD. And again there are large differences in FORD ASSEMBLY and SERVICE PARTS. FORD also will replace original service parts with later service parts or specialty parts to remedy certain situations.

MOOG (and TRW) are not what they once were. MOOG used to be a first class act.

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So if you go by the pic of my green arms, they're correct?

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

Here is a photo of the driver's side upper A arm taken at about the same angle as yours. As you can see the large retainer is at the rear bushing.  Interestingly my interchange catalog lists the upper A arms being the same from 52 through 57.  Moog also shows them using the same bushings.  

If it's the shop manual I'll it's basically the same as what was posted by someone else on here earlier. If the stops were shown it would be cut and dry as to the placement of everything

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

What's wsm?

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

I am fairly certain what you removed is correct assy.

The worst thing would be the inability to set caster/camber properly (and that includes the bushings which are different for the 52/53 and the 57.  If the upper and lower arms were assembled with the spindle and without the spring and the assy moved up and down easily, you should be good. You won't know until you attempt to align and drive (if the springs are not weak and not able to get to factory setting trim height).

It is not known which setup photo (54 or 57) is correct but if you cipher on it long enough, what you started with seems correct (to me). The 1954 MPC 1954 and 1957 MPC ILL's are basically the same but they use modified ENGINEERING DRAWINGS to the extent of not showing exact application but just give a general idea (multi-year)  so the PARTS DUDE can identify the BASIC PART NUMBER to find in the TEXT.

The WSM will show a true ENGINEERING DRAWING (abbreviated) along with a photo usually.

Are you able to scan the WSM pages and post them here?

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So it is confusing. What could happen if they are installed incorrectly? Both arms move easily as they are

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

OK, I now see a discrepancy in the 57 LINC photo.



Everybody take their pack off and stand easy for a while. Smoke 'em if you got 'em ...

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"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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