Turns out I am a bit of a goose. I was leaning on the suspension while one of the arms wasn't installed, of course the tension link was going to move around. I buttoned up the top arm and then wrestled the tension link out only to find...it's perfect. As are both of the lower suspension arms. So suddenly I am done with the filthiest job imaginable. Will now spend a few hours trying to clean things up and then go for a quick blast up the road to see what the old girl feels like with it's new bushes and shock absorbers. edit: those gloves are official victims of the grotty suspension war. Luckily the sticky rubber mess cleans up with detergent so the floor will come back somewhat clean.