With all the problems going on with the ball joints in these kits be defective, what about arm bushings? What brand? Moog, GM, or other? What did you buy poly or rubber?

This is a job you only want to do once.

 

I used poly on a 92 Jeep Wrangler I had it squeaked alot and I did use the lube for them

 

Many folks like the compliance of rubber bushings and considering that they often last for 20 years or so, they are not a bad choice.

I personally like the much more solid feel of polyurethane bushings, especially for their ability to hold their shape and retain suspension settings for much longer than rubber. Some do have issues with polyurethane bushings squeaking, but I have not.

You might want to give Vette Brakes a call and talk to them about what's best for your purposes and also about the potential for squeaking bushings. They're extremely helpful and have been in the Corvette suspension business a long time.

Good luck with your decision... GUSTO

 

I went with polyurethane from VBP and they do squeak a little. You can hear it going over a speed bump slowly, otherwise I don't notice it. I didnt install mine, I had a local shop do it and they didn't use locktite on the bolts when they installed them. In less than 100 miles, one of the bolts walked out on the driver's side upper A-arm and the A-arm popped out. Fortunately it happened turning in to my driveway and nothing was damaged. I had to have the car trailered back to the shop to have it fixed (they covered the expense). They have been fine ever since. This problem is unique to polyurethane bushings and common if loctite is not used on the bolts. It doesn't happen with rubber, the rubber bushings "give" differently.

If I had it to do over, I would go with OEM rubber bushings for a number of reasons. The old ones lasted 30 yrs - well, 25 yrs anyway, the last five years they weren't in too good of a shape. That, and the peace of mind knowing the bolts won't come walking out. That will scare the s _ _ t out of you if it happens, not to mention what it could do to you if you were taking a corner at speed and a bolt came out.

Mine have been in a year and a half now and I have checked the bolts (several times). Since being loctited in after the initial problem they have been fine.

Pros and cons for each......

 

Used them for almost a decade on two different Talons (same set of bushings, moved from one car to the second), never had a squeak. Grease the crap out of them and go.

 

I have had both but preference depends on what you want to do with the car. If you just cruise and want to do the job once and forget it then go with the stock style. The poly are supposed to be better for handling but they can squeek once in a while. Poly does not help to control suspension motion like the stockers will. The stockers will help set and maintain ride height while poly will not. The stock bushings will load in torsion during suspension travel and that is a good thing IMHO for a cruiser.

I probably will not use poly again in a control arm. I don't need them and appreciate the body motion control you get with the stockers.

-Mark.

 

Rubber in A-arms here....have seen two vettes have issues with polys causing bolts come loose...not fun in an upper a-arm....think this is rare occurrance,but once bitten,twice shy...

 

I used poly every where but front A-arms.

 

I did mine with poly about 12 years ago,and over 120,000 miles. I'm now starting a complete front end overhaul and will most likely replace all again,not due to wear,but"while I'm at it" and everything's already apart.Wonder how long they're supposed to last.

The only squeek I had with mine was the front swaybar,and my fix was to wrap teflon tape around the bar where the bushing rubs. Silent as a mouse for years.

 

Happened to me. Luckily no damage, but I can assure you it is not a fun experience.

 

Thanks to everyone who answered. I will go with rubber.

 

Even in the trailing arms? That's the spot where most people recommend using rubber bushings.

 

I am getting old and forgetful. T-arms are rubber. but all sway bars, rear spring bushings, & differential bushing are poly