New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly??????????
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Mesa AZ
New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly??????????
Time for a front rebuild. Now which type of parts do I use? I have heard that the poly makes the ride even more harsh, is that true? Someone, please list the pros and cons for me?
Thanks!!!!!
Thanks!!!!!
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From: Manassas VA
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St. Jude Donor '14
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (chadman)
I have heard the same about poly but the poly will last longer. I purchased poly for my front end rebuild and will start next week.
Robert
Robert
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From: Michigan
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (Bluewasp)
I just completed my entire suspension front and rear. On the front I installed the rubber. The first set of rubber lasted over 30 years, so the next set should last at least that since the car sits in the garage all of the time. I do like the rubber, heard concerns that the poly will ride harsh and squeek alot. The car rides firm enough with rubber.
Dwayne
Dwayne
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Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (BigBlockVette)
I upgraded my front to poly and installed the 420lbs springs as well. She definitely feels tighter but even more stable. I'm really enjoying mine and the vettes my daily driver now for 2months with the upgrade with a 45min drive on both to and from work. Really feels fantastic on the expressway at high speeds. I know a few other guys have them to and BSEERY did his the same weekend I did mine I wonder what he thinks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: I can explain it to you, but I can't comprehend it for ya.
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (IT STINGS)
I just did a complete front and rear suspension re-build and I used poly everywhere. As far as harsh ride... I can't tell any difference, but it does seem to handle alot better. I did hear some faint squeeks yesterday, so yes they will squeek. and as far as lasting longer...the poly will probably still be good when I'm long gone...
But, If I had it to do over again I think I would go with the rubber, I'm not so sure the improved handling was from just replaceing the worn parts so the rubber would probably gave me the same feeling. and I'm sure the squeeks are probably going to get worse..and I hate squeeks.
But, If I had it to do over again I think I would go with the rubber, I'm not so sure the improved handling was from just replaceing the worn parts so the rubber would probably gave me the same feeling. and I'm sure the squeeks are probably going to get worse..and I hate squeeks.
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (chadman)
I used Energy Suspension Poly bushings. My '70 feels much tighter and stable. I followed the instructions from Energy and on the forum here. You need to grease the bushings before you install them. You can get additional grease from Summitt. So far no squeaks. I wanted something that would give me better than stock performance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
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From: Tampa Bay FL
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (chadman)
Rubber. My suspension was worn out after 17 years. The kit I installed from Vette Brakes and Products will last as long or longer. Tight ride without concerns. Figure, if installing poly, you won't get the 'deflection' of the rubber bushings but something has to give (I'd rather it be the bushings than the frame welds!!! :eek: ). I've heard that poly trans mount bushings can eliminate flex at the trans mount but can also result in a cracked bellhousing. I'd suggest using the same logic with poly suspension components; something has to give on that 20+ year old frame. Although, I did go with the poly adjustable smart struts on the rear diff. They get alot of abuse and twisting and the rubber really gets torn up there. Everywhere else, I use rubber.
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Traveling the US
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (TedH)
I got the poly. It does squeak quite a bit over big bumps. Otherwise it does not squeak. I think next time I would get rubber though.
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Drifting
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Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (chadman)
Poly all the way. I think I heard that you need to press Rubber bushings in witha press. With poly they just dropped in fairly easy. I used big gobs of Marine Grease (from local hardware store). Not one squeak after nearly a year. I too was concerned about poly vs. rubber but now I'll not go with rubber again. My ride is definitely harsher but I think that is due to the big swaybars, lowering springs, and low profile tires. I think springs/shocks probably have the most affect on harshness.
I guess depends on you. If you're a cruiser then go with rubber. If you want max performance I suppose poly is the way to go. Though like others have said, my whole suspension was shot when I replaced so who knows how much of the ride change was due to any 1 part I changed out.
good luck!
-terry
I guess depends on you. If you're a cruiser then go with rubber. If you want max performance I suppose poly is the way to go. Though like others have said, my whole suspension was shot when I replaced so who knows how much of the ride change was due to any 1 part I changed out.
good luck!
-terry
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: ma
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (IT STINGS)
I agree with 1970 stingray polyseems tighter than the rubber,but I also found that BUBBA had installed the front swaybar backwards {did"t think that you could do that] after correcting that the car feels like its riding on rails wether thats the new poly bushings or to the correct instalation of the swaybar,butits defiently better now IMHO
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Minnesota
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (chadman)
I went with all rubber except front sway bar, I went with poly for the stiffness--no regrets. I think it would be
hard to compare unless you went with all new rubber, then switched to all poly. any bushing in 10 years will show
wear let alone 20 -30 years. I have heard of squeak problems with poly if instructions are not strictly adhered too.
SEMPER FI--1970 Dave
rdrman--what do you mean they installed it backwards? you mean upside down?
hard to compare unless you went with all new rubber, then switched to all poly. any bushing in 10 years will show
wear let alone 20 -30 years. I have heard of squeak problems with poly if instructions are not strictly adhered too.
SEMPER FI--1970 Dave
rdrman--what do you mean they installed it backwards? you mean upside down?
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (BigBlockVette)
POLY POLY POLY POLY !!!!!
I rebuilt mine and I LOVE the way the car rides now.
Since you are a local boy, call me if you have any questions.
You know the areacode - the rest is 857-8391.
P.S. you may remember me -- I came over and looked at the electric fans on your radiator.
[Modified by BSeery, 11:43 AM 8/24/2001]
I rebuilt mine and I LOVE the way the car rides now.
Since you are a local boy, call me if you have any questions.
You know the areacode - the rest is 857-8391.
P.S. you may remember me -- I came over and looked at the electric fans on your radiator.
[Modified by BSeery, 11:43 AM 8/24/2001]
Racer
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From: Corvallis OR
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (chadman)
I went with energy suspension's poly-graphite bushings mainly because I didn't want to press out/in the rubber ones and risk damaging the arms. (not to mention the expense). With the poly, i was able to melt out the rubber ones with a propane torch, clean up the bushing cups and slide the new bushings in. Very easy.
It's claimed the the poly grahite ones don't squeek, but I cant say for sure since i haven't visited the alignment shop yet.
Jim-K
It's claimed the the poly grahite ones don't squeek, but I cant say for sure since i haven't visited the alignment shop yet.
Jim-K
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From: Inver Grove Heights MN
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (chadman)
I just put a similar post on the NCRS discussion board and over 90% of response was for rubber. Several who had installed poly said they would change back due to squeaks and harsh rides.
Jim
Jim
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Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (Easy Rider)
I used the hard rubber bushings from Guldstrand Engineering. Worth the extra money. You will get the benefit of the poly without the potential of squeaking. :D :crazy: :yesnod: 
:blueangel: :jester :seeya
:blueangel: :jester :seeya
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (Easy Rider)
Well - NCRS will say no to anything not stock.
I stand by my original statement -- POLY !!.
You use good quality poly. kits and you don't get the squeeks. Besides, the roads in the Phoenix area are very smooth by most standards. We don't have potholes in this area.
Poly gives a nice smooth ride and great control.
Remeber -- these are performance cars. Not trailer queens and parade mobiles.
[Modified by BSeery, 10:58 PM 8/24/2001]
I stand by my original statement -- POLY !!.
You use good quality poly. kits and you don't get the squeeks. Besides, the roads in the Phoenix area are very smooth by most standards. We don't have potholes in this area.
Poly gives a nice smooth ride and great control.
Remeber -- these are performance cars. Not trailer queens and parade mobiles.
[Modified by BSeery, 10:58 PM 8/24/2001]
Melting Slicks
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From: Clifton Park NY
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (BSeery)
Remeber -- these are performance cars. Not trailer queens and parade mobiles.
-Pedro
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: New Front Suspension-- rubber or poly?????????? (Pedro'74)
Remeber -- these are performance cars. Not trailer queens and parade mobiles.
Besides, if the squeeks annoy you, that just means you need a louder exhaust! :jester
-Pedro
Besides, if the squeeks annoy you, that just means you need a louder exhaust! :jester
-Pedro
I don't think it'd be that difficult to re-grease the poly's if you're getting the "squeaks". They go in and come out pretty easiily. They should make a set like those greasable sway bar mounts.