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Topic: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

Posted: 5/31/18 10:43am Message 1 of 12
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Hillsboro, OR - USA
Joined: 7/20/2015
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1975 L48 4sp. Coupe... Rebuilt Motor
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




Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd
'73 454 on the engine stand.


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Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

Posted: 5/31/18 10:54am Message 2 of 12
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1525
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.
No poly for the rear strut rods.  Go rubber or heim joints.


   

Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

Posted: 6/1/18 7:49am Message 3 of 12
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
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
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|



1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

Posted: 6/8/18 9:40am Message 4 of 12
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San Diego, CA - USA
Joined: 11/10/2013
Posts: 64
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.
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


 

 

Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

Posted: 6/8/18 8:51pm Message 5 of 12
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CANTON, MI - USA
Joined: 10/13/2013
Posts: 21
Vette(s): `82 Shark
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.
 



Lakeside 49

Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

Posted: 6/8/18 10:31pm Message 6 of 12
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1525
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.
I can see using poly for sway bars, but I think rubber is better for just about every thing else.


   

Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

Posted: 6/9/18 7:36am Message 7 of 12
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Canada
Joined: 12/24/2013
Posts: 414
Vette(s): 1975 L48 Stingray 1992 LT1
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


Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

Posted: 6/15/18 1:18pm Message 8 of 12
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COPPERAS COVE, TX - USA
Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 417
Vette(s): 1972 corvette stingray convertible 2007 coupe
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. 



Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

Posted: 6/15/18 4:24pm Message 9 of 12
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA
Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 617
Vette(s): 1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert
Pick you product carefully. Both rubber and poly can come from bad manufacturers and not last.


      Only 34 years together

Re: Rubber vs Polyurethane bushings

Posted: 6/18/18 5:02am Message 10 of 12
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2466
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
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.


in Forum: C3 Handling Components


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