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Topic: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

in Forum: C3 Handling Components

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Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (1/12)
5/31/18 10:43am

apesa63
Former Member
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Hillsboro, OR - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 4sp. Coupe... Rebuilt Motor

Joined: 7/20/2015
Posts: 49

As the title suggests. I am bouncing back and forth on whether to order all rubber suspension bushings or go poly. I had Poly suspension bushings on my 1 ton ford and they seemed to wear faster than rubber and were stiffer.

My goal is to rebuild front and rear suspension in total.

Thanks for reading / replying,

Regards,

Pat

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Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd

'73 454 on the engine stand.

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Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (2/12)
5/31/18 10:54am

F4Gary
Standard Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.

Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1510

No poly for the rear strut rods. Go rubber or heim joints.

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Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (3/12)
6/1/18 7:49am

73shark
Limited Member
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Overland Park, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray

Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 911

Polyurethane bushings in the control arms will definitely make it ride harsher. I used poly bushings on the sway bar links and did not experience excessive wear.

|UPDATED|6/1/2018 7:49:18 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (4/12)
6/8/18 9:40am

Steevo
Limited Member
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San Diego, CA - USA

Vette(s):
'73 L48 Coupe, 383, M20, A/C, Electric Windows. Matterhorn White Jet-Glo w/ Dark Blue interior. Rochester, Edelbrock, Blackjack Ceramics, Borlas w/ 2.5" mandrel X over, Cooper Cobras on both OEM Steel and Aluminum Wheels.

Joined: 11/10/2013
Posts: 64

My experience with using rubber bushings on my '73 A-arms is bad. After 2 years, cracks develop. I swear I install them properly, and tighten everything up with weight -on-wheels. I'm going with poly bushings next time, and use Moly-B for squeak-free operation. Steve

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Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (5/12)
6/8/18 8:51pm

lakeside49
Former Member
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CANTON, MI - USA

Vette(s):
`82 Shark

Joined: 10/13/2013
Posts: 21

The Corvette shop owner in my locale (near Ann Arbor, MI - "Bobbies Corvette") swears by rubber components. He said that the poly parts are stronger and will likely wear better - but, that they are so harsh - and, he has had so many customer complaints - that he strongly recommends the rubber steering/chassis/suspension components to avoid disappointment, and that the latest rubber compounds are superior to the old days from a performance and durability standpoint.

Info only - I am just relaying what a recognized C3 Corvette shop owner advised me...and, with that reflexive "please don't ask me to use poly" look in his eyes.

Good question, though.

Dave V.

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Lakeside 49

Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (6/12)
6/8/18 10:31pm

F4Gary
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.

Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1510

I can see using poly for sway bars, but I think rubber is better for just about every thing else.

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Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (7/12)
6/9/18 7:36am

cinor

Lifetime Member
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Canada

Vette(s):
1975 L48 Stingray 1992 LT1

Joined: 12/24/2013
Posts: 414

So I see the discussion begins again. This topic has been a staple of all forums kinda like should the toilet paper roll from the front or the back ( from the front of course duh!) I had the same dilemma and I solved it by figuring that the rubber bushings had been in the car for the first 40 years so who I am to argue with that, so rubber it is for my 75

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Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (8/12)
6/15/18 1:18pm

fp_vetter72

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COPPERAS COVE, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 corvette stingray convertible 2007 coupe

Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 417

I have poly and very unhappy, I was told by VBP the bushings I have in Trailing arms are good for maybe 8 to 10 years but will not last. The fiberglass spring bushings and the rubber where they mount to differential just fell apart I had to order the kit to replace them. A friend of mine had all new products for one we were building and the poly bushings got hard and crumpled in the box. When I replace next time it will be stock stuff. I also have all kinds off popping and squeaking from front suspension. It is all poly.

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Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (9/12)
6/15/18 4:24pm

johnu
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert

Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 616

Pick you product carefully. Both rubber and poly can come from bad manufacturers and not last.

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Only 32 years together

Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (10/12)
6/18/18 5:02am

manchestershark

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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2465

I used Energy Suspension several years ago. No problems yet. Ride may be a tad stiff, but handling is WAY better than before. Used the lubricant that can in the package, no squeaks or creeks or thumps. As was mentioned earlier, quality comes from reputable suppliers/manufacturers.

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Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (11/12)
6/18/18 5:05am

manchestershark

|UPDATED|6/18/2018 5:05:37 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings (12/12)
6/18/18 11:54am

Vman73
Former Member
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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.

Joined: 10/2/2014
Posts: 405

+1 on rubber bushings, stick with brand name components. I tend to stay away from the alll in one suspension kits unless you know the brands included in the kit. Good luck !!

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John Sigmund

valkman57@sbcglobal.net

NCRS Member 61302

NW NCRS Chapter Member

Duct tape is the new Black !!

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