OEM vs. Poly
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Vilonia Arkansas
OEM vs. Poly
I'm gonna replace the bushings in my 72's rear suspension soon and I was wondering which is better - the OEM style or polyurethane?
Anyone have pro/cons of the two?
dd
Anyone have pro/cons of the two?
dd
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Both have drawbacks. Which is "better" somewhat depends on your priorities. If restoring original handling and ride comfort are what you're after, stick with rubber, but if reducing compliance to maintain more stable suspension geometry under heavy cornering loads without going to all-out racing components is a goal, then poly may be a better choice than rubber. However, IMCO poly isn't best suited to locations such as the rear camber struts and TA's which inherently travel in 3D's, so I suggest stepping on up to heim-jointed rear camber struts and thinking about spherical TA's out back should handling be a very high priority. Poly also requires proper periodic lubrication to avoid binding stiction (evidenced by squeaking).
That's my $.02. Some will recommend one over the other regardless of your purposes, and there are plenty of threads debating this ad nauseam if you care to search.
That's my $.02. Some will recommend one over the other regardless of your purposes, and there are plenty of threads debating this ad nauseam if you care to search.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Mar 15, 2011 at 04:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Vilonia Arkansas
Both have drawbacks. Which is "better" somewhat depends on your priorities. If restoring original handling and ride comfort are what you're after, stick with rubber, but if reducing compliance to maintain more stable suspension geometry under heavy cornering loads without going to all-out racing components is a goal, then poly may be a better choice than rubber. However, IMCO poly isn't best suited to locations such as the rear camber struts and TA's which inherently travel in 3D's, so I suggest stepping on up to heim-jointed rear camber struts and thinking about spherical TA's out back should handling be a very high priority. Poly also requires proper periodic lubrication to avoid binding stiction (evidenced by squeaking).
That's my $.02. Some will recommend one over the other regardless of your purposes, and there are plenty of threads debating this ad nauseam if you care to search.
That's my $.02. Some will recommend one over the other regardless of your purposes, and there are plenty of threads debating this ad nauseam if you care to search.
Thanks,
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
I only used Poly on one of my cars BUT replaced them in about one or two years with rubber... too stiff...too harsh..and too noisy for my tastes for what I used the car for (Saturday evening cruising mostly
Bob G.
Bob G.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,737
Likes: 836
From: Gulf of America
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
I went with OEM style rubber at all locations for the exception of the front sway bar links and the rear leaf spring ends. Been very happy so far.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 99
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
the poly bushings will definitely leave you with a much firmer ride than replacing them with the OEM rubber bushings. the upside to using poly if you can get comfortable with the ride is the poly last much longer than the rubber bushings do.
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Cruising
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Rubber vs. Poly
Rubber without a doubt for me.
Rebuilt the front end of my '69 five years ago with poly. End of last year noted that one of the A-frame bushings was all eaten up after 7K miles and replaced with rubber.
Today replaced the leaf spring bushings that were about four years ago as there were just crumbles left on the bolts from poly bushings. Went back to poly.
Many similar guys in our Corvette Club in Houston have experienced issues with poly. GO rubber for sure.
Nathan Margolis
Houston, Texas
Rebuilt the front end of my '69 five years ago with poly. End of last year noted that one of the A-frame bushings was all eaten up after 7K miles and replaced with rubber.
Today replaced the leaf spring bushings that were about four years ago as there were just crumbles left on the bolts from poly bushings. Went back to poly.
Many similar guys in our Corvette Club in Houston have experienced issues with poly. GO rubber for sure.
Nathan Margolis
Houston, Texas
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: asheville nc
My 68 still has 3 of the front A arms with the orig rubber....might need to change 10-20 to 45 or so...and I am in the middle of nothing but curves and mountains and lately very rough roads.
I agree poly is not good for ride quality.
I agree poly is not good for ride quality.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 361
From: Monson MA
I am in the process of a full body off storation and researched this to death. Although it's a personal choice, I am replacing all rubber components with rubber components. Makes sense. Better ride, quieter ride, more original geometry, life cycle has already been proven. Of course I am bring my 68 as close as I can to original specs.
