polyurethane versus regular bushings
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: parsippany nj
polyurethane versus regular bushings
I'm sure this topic has been touched on before, but I would like personal imput as to what you have used and whether you were happy with your choice. I just started the front suspension rebuild for my '64 vette. I don't plan on driving the car except for pleasure, but I would like to not have to ever do the job again, so I am considering poly bushings. Thanks in advance Kathy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Southeast Missouri
Originally Posted by crazcorkath
I'm sure this topic has been touched on before, but I would like personal imput as to what you have used and whether you were happy with your choice. I just started the front suspension rebuild for my '64 vette. I don't plan on driving the car except for pleasure, but I would like to not have to ever do the job again, so I am considering poly bushings. Thanks in advance Kathy
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
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From: Washington Michigan
In case the search function is kaput (which it usually is), you don't want poly bushings unless you want to feel every pebble you run over and listen to them squeak a few months after you install them. New OEM rubber bushings will probably only last another 30-40 years. The only place I'd put poly bushings are on the front stabilizer bar end link bolts. 
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 13,644
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From: NorCal
Originally Posted by JohnZ
In case the search function is kaput (which it usually is), you don't want poly bushings unless you want to feel every pebble you run over and listen to them squeak a few months after you install them. New OEM rubber bushings will probably only last another 30-40 years. The only place I'd put poly bushings are on the front stabilizer bar end link bolts.
I once put poly on a 66 and went back to rubber a month later. Rode like a truck and sounded like a bird convention with the poly bushings.
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Houston Tx
I changed to poly about 2 years ago and so far no problems. I personally don't think the the poly is that much more harsh than rubber, but I defer to those who have done back to back comparisons in a short timeframe. Most people make many other changes at the same time they install poly and it is not possible to tell what was due to what. I for example installed GT springs at the same time as poly and at first blamed the poly for a harsher ride, but after reinstalling my factory springs the ride is fine if you ask me.
All that said, given all the mixed opinions on poly and your description of what you want to use the car for, why take the risk? Compared to old rubber, new rubber will ride great and you will like it. There is a chance you might not like poly, and not much chance you will not like rubber. Go with the rubber except for rear TA bushings and front sway bar link bushings.
All that said, given all the mixed opinions on poly and your description of what you want to use the car for, why take the risk? Compared to old rubber, new rubber will ride great and you will like it. There is a chance you might not like poly, and not much chance you will not like rubber. Go with the rubber except for rear TA bushings and front sway bar link bushings.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: parsippany nj
Thanks for all the replies. So far I have bought the Grand touring plus suspension from VBP and I am very pleased with the way the fibergalss spring rides in the rear. As part of the package I have a new front sway bar with the poly bushings, but I think I may go for the rubber with the A arms.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: 20 forward gears to shift through in MD
I have a 66 coupe with a stiffened frame/chassis and went with poly bushings all around (with the exception of the body mounts) and they work fine for what it is set up for. On my 66 convertible I went with OEM type rubber bushings all the way around and, comparing them directly, the rubber bushings definitely have the superior ride characteristics and damping qualities. So, IMHO, if stiffness is your cup of tea - go with the poly's. On the other hand, if you want a smoother overall ride - opt for the rubber bushings.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Northport New York
Originally Posted by crazcorkath
I'm sure this topic has been touched on before, but I would like personal imput as to what you have used and whether you were happy with your choice. I just started the front suspension rebuild for my '64 vette. I don't plan on driving the car except for pleasure, but I would like to not have to ever do the job again, so I am considering poly bushings. Thanks in advance Kathy
