89 Gt 5.0

[griff1419]

I just purchased an 89 GT 5.0 convertible. I have found most of the answers on these forums, but I can't find one answer. My drivers door shuts and latches but there is still a little bit of play in and out. There is no sagging it just doesn't seem to close completely. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[squeak93]

You can adjust the striker on the door jam to make it fit/line up. If there is "play" the bushing may be worn out allowing the movement you described.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

Agreed. Check the door striker bushing. They've been known to wear, or even break apart over time.

 

[griff1419]

OK. Thanks I will check tonight and let you know.

 

[griff1419]

I looked and there is no bushing on the latch striker. It is just metal so I assume that is the problem. Does anyone know if there is a bolt on the back of the torques screw? I read a review on LMR that someone said his nut fell and it was tough to retrieve it.

 

[squeak93]

You should be able to remove the striker, place a new bushing on it (HELP section from oriellys/auto parts stores should have them) and reinstall.

I've removed them many times with not issues.

 

[griff1419]

The only other issue I am having is the steering wheel shakes at around 20 mph lightly then around 60ish it shakes more. The front tires are cupped a little so I am getting new tires and a 4 wheel alignment to see it that fixes the problems. If not I am going to replace the rotors. Any other ideas? It also shakes when I brake.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Autozone sells replacement strikers. Just unscrew the old one and replace.


I'd start with new tires and alignment. That might eliminate the shaking while driving. As for shaking on braking, that is usually disk rotor runout (also called warping) and you'll need to replace your rotors and pads to eliminate that.

 

[griff1419]

That's what I thought. Thanks.

 

[GroverDill]

do not pay for a 4 wheel alignment. No adjustments on the rear.

 

[Mustang5L5]

do not pay for a 4 wheel alignment. No adjustments on the rear.

Usually with trucks (and mustangs since they have a non-adjustable rear) the 4-wheel adjustment aligns the front wheels in relation to the thrust direction of the rear.

In fact, a lot of vehicles don't have adjustable rear suspensions.

 

[griff1419]

Ok I did not know that. So there is no benefit to a 4 wheel vs 2 wheel alignment.

 

[mikestang63]

all the door stiker bushings are is a small piece of PVC pipe

 

[Gearbanger 101]

do not pay for a 4 wheel alignment. No adjustments on the rear.

Unless you've got after market adjustable upper and lower control arms. that is.

 

[GroverDill]

or an IRS for that matter

panhard bar

3 link

clearly meant stock

 

[Mustang5L5]

Ok I did not know that. So there is no benefit to a 4 wheel vs 2 wheel alignment.

Not necessarily. They may not adjust anything out back, but doesn't mean they don't take into consideration the thrust angle.

2 wheel they just straighten the front wheels and that's it. With 4-wheel they really do more of a thrust alignment on rwd cars and align front wheels to the rear wheels direction of thrust.

Keep in mind these cars are 20-30 years old. Who knows where that rear end points these days.


Sent from my big ass iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

 

[griff1419]

I replaced all four tires and got a front end alignment. Seemed to fix the problem. I am going to replace the rotors and pads this week since it still shakes when I brake. Thank you all for you help!