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Rubber or Poly?

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Old Jan 12, 2005 | 10:53 PM
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Default Rubber or Poly?

Okay, so I'm ready to put everything back. I've purchased Poly everything. A-frame bushings, trans mount, differential mount, trailing arms, Superstrud, body mounts, you name it. I've recently heard / read that Poly bushings are not necessarily the best way to go. I know and understand the squeak issue and the less smooth ride/ I'm good with both of those issues. I am more interested in a better handling car. I've also purchased the upgraded fiberglass rear spring with new coils and Bilsteins at all four corners. What is the general concensus on Poly? Please advise before it's too late. Thanx, JD
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Old Jan 12, 2005 | 11:18 PM
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i've got poly in my front end and used poly with my fiberglass spring. i love it. handling is superior for sure. once everything seated in, i rarely hear a squeek, maybe when turning into a driveway over a curb.
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Old Jan 12, 2005 | 11:28 PM
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I used poly everywhere. I've had zero problems, maybe I'm just lucky? Make sure you grease everything good during assembly with that special grease that comes with the poly kit.
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 01:09 AM
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BigFish...can you eleborate on what specail grease is used? Is there a substitute? Thanks
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 01:12 AM
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i use poly everywhere except motor mounts and trans mounts...i want those vibrations isolated...
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 01:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Jclgodale3
BigFish...can you eleborate on what specail grease is used? Is there a substitute? Thanks
Moly cam grease.
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 01:34 AM
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so just apply on the flat contact points? Or smear it all over the poly?
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 03:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Jclgodale3
so just apply on the flat contact points? Or smear it all over the poly?
On any metal that touches the poly, IMO the sway bars are the worst offenders for squeaking after install.Use a thin layer as extra is waste.

Polyurethane bushings with graphite are quieter but the swaybars take a week or so still to quiet down.

-Ed
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 07:15 AM
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Originally Posted by bobs77vet
i use poly everywhere except motor mounts and trans mounts...i want those vibrations isolated...
I didn't use poly mounts either, guess I lied when I said I used poly everywhere.

JCLGODALE3, I honestly don't know about substitutes. It was a very sticky and thick clear grease, used it anywhere there would be movement against the poly bushings. There were small tubes included with the bushings. My guess is silicone?
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 12:41 PM
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Thanks dudes. I'm a much happier camper now. BTW, I just picked up this month's copy of Corvette Fever. They have an article regarding poly bushings. I looking forward to reading it tonight. JD
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 12:52 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnD77
Thanks dudes. I'm a much happier camper now. BTW, I just picked up this month's copy of Corvette Fever. They have an article regarding poly bushings. I looking forward to reading it tonight. JD
Can you please post a synopsis on the article once you're read it? I cant' decide which way to go. I've heard several people claim that poly is a bad idea on trailing arms and strut rods because the bushings don't deflect (squish) enough to accomodate the anti-axial movement of those parts. And then others of course say that's not a problem.
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Jclgodale3
BigFish...can you eleborate on what specail grease is used? Is there a substitute? Thanks

The grease you're looking for is di-electric grease. It's used on ignition parts and it is a clear thick greasy goop.
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Old Jan 14, 2005 | 08:27 PM
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WC, they didn't really discuss the pros & cons of poly versus rubber, but they went with poly for project car in the article. I inferred that they believe that poly is the way to go. That's what I'm doing. My understanding about poly is that it lasts much, much longer than rubber, and eliminates body roll and suspension flex. This translates to great handling. JD
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Old Jan 14, 2005 | 09:10 PM
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I've heard of Silicone grease and Marine grease being used (they might be the same thing). I'm looking into poly suspension parts myself, and I think most of the suppliers either include grease with their kits or could tell you what kind of grease to use. If they can't I wouldn't buy their product!

Rick B.
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