Rubber VS. Poly suspension bushings ?

[johnny99]

I would like some opinions on rubber [stock type] VS. polyurethane suspension bushings. Squeaks or rough ride with the poly bushings in the A frames and leaf springs ? When I do my front end [disc brakes and power steering] and rear end [spring pockets] I am going to take care of this stuff to.
Thanks John

[ETriggs]

I think the poly bushings last alot longer, are stiffer so they don't crush, and don't squeak if you grease them.

[Chevynut]

This question is asked fairly often. Usually you'll hear people say that they went to poly bushings and the ride got horrible, so they went back to new rubber ones and it was much better. What they often won't tell you is that when they did that, they changed springs and shocks, and sometimes even wheels and tires. All of those will have an effect on ride quality to some degree.

That said, I do think the poly bushings are somewhat harder than rubber but I haven't seen a hardness spec for either. But the fact that they hold the suspension in place better implies to me that they are harder. They work differently too, since poly slides on the inner sleeve where the rubber is bonded to both inner and outer sleeves and stretches as the suspension goes through it's travel. I have never done a 1:1 legit comparison, but some claim they have. So it's possible the poly will transmit vibrations a little more than rubber.

The main complaints you'll hear about poly are squeaking. They will give you better handling performance, if you care about that. I also believe they will last longer, but again I have no data to prove it.

That said, I'm using poly engine mounts, tranny mount, body mounts, and polygraphite suspension and swaybar bushings. I hope to be able to evaluate the ride quality some day. ;)

[55fazzi]

I use polyurethane control arm bushings, tie rod grease boots, shock bushings, sway bar bushings and end link bushings for over three years now. I used the Energy Suspension Formula 5 Pre lube during the install. The only squeek I've ever had was from one shock bushing that was not tight enough.

They are supposed to last longer than rubber and gave my front end a "tighter" feel. I plan on installing a 4-bar rear suspension with polyurethane rod ends. I would not hesitate to use them again.

Tom

[MikeKy55]

I went with rubber on mine. But I was building a cruiser and not a real power car. My sway bar has poly busings and one of those did begin to sqeak. I put a light coat of vasoline on the bar and bolted it back up. That stopped it. So if you use them use the lube they recommend. I would have to say the poly would be better all in all.

[chevman57]

I also used the poly graphite bushings in the a-frames,sway bar and body mounts. But like C`nut i also hope to get to try them out someday, hopefully very soon.
Terry

[kzo57]

The poly graphite are great, have had them on since 1994 when they first came out! I had a problem with the headers on my SBC with clearance it fried the old rubber ones, still have them on the lowers, but replaced the uppers with the new upper control arms, tubular type (more caster)they use a different type of bushing! The heat was not a problem! can't say as much a poly! They only came in one color Black!!