I am in the process of installing a 88 cradle into an 86. I'm upgrading to poly bushings in all of the links. The front lateral links (rear suspension) have a steel sleeve pressed into each of the adjustable ends that the poly bushing fit into, one on the cradle end, one on the knuckle end. The steel sleeves have a flange on one end as do the poly bushings.

My question is which way should the flanges face, toward the front or toward the rear?
Do both flanges, cradle and knuckle, on a link face the same way?

The links on my cradle had the flanges facing toward the front of the car. The end of the sleeves that are not flanged wore rings into the cradle mounts. The '88 factory service manual does not specify the installation position and I have searched for a clear picture without success. Perhaps is doesn't make a difference but I would like to do it correctly. Your help would be appreciated.

Post some pics so we know what you're talking about.

In the mean time do a search on this forum and you'll find about a million pics of how the links attach to the cradle.

[This message has been edited by cyrus88 (edited 11-02-2014).]

Large end of the bushing faces forward....